The County Government of Siaya has entered into a strategic partnership with Kakuzi PLC to strengthen avocado and macadamia farming, positioning the county as a key player in high-value horticulture.
As part of the collaboration, Siaya leaders visited Kakuzi’s orchards in Makuyu to learn about best practices in avocado and macadamia crop husbandry. The visit was also used to assess how smallholder farmers in Siaya can benefit from access to quality seedlings, modern agronomic knowledge, and improved extension services. Plans are underway to build the technical capacity of agricultural extension officers so they can provide practical guidance to local farmers on orchard management, pest control, and post-harvest handling.
The partnership is expected to open new opportunities for Siaya’s farming communities by equipping them with skills to meet the growing demand for premium avocado and macadamia products in both domestic and export markets. Beyond technical training, the collaboration will also focus on improving market access and supporting value addition initiatives. Kakuzi has already introduced innovative products such as ready-to-eat macadamia nuts and cold-pressed macadamia cooking oil, which will be showcased at the upcoming Siaya International Trade and Investment Conference (SITICO).
For Siaya, where many farmers rely on smallholder agriculture, the introduction of avocado and macadamia as priority cash crops could provide a transformative economic shift. With global demand for these crops rising steadily, the partnership offers farmers a chance to diversify their incomes, reduce reliance on traditional crops, and improve household livelihoods.
The county government has emphasized that the collaboration is not just about farming, but about building a sustainable agribusiness ecosystem. By linking farmers to quality planting materials, reliable technical support, and structured markets, Siaya aims to create a value chain that will uplift rural households while attracting investment into the region.
This partnership reflects a growing recognition of the role of public-private collaboration in transforming agriculture. Through shared expertise and resources, Siaya and Kakuzi hope to set an example of how counties can empower farmers, unlock agribusiness potential, and achieve long-term economic growth driven by sustainable agriculture.
