Turkana County is taking a bold step towards transforming the agricultural sector by empowering youth- and women-led enterprises engaged in agri-food value chains. A two-day workshop was recently held under the Vijana in KilimoBizz initiative, aimed at strengthening the capacity of young entrepreneurs through improved access to finance and markets.
Themed “Connecting Youth to Real Opportunities for Growth and Transformation,” the forum was designed to shift perceptions of agriculture from a fallback option to a profitable and sustainable livelihood path. Young people were encouraged to take agriculture seriously as a viable business venture and a key driver for the local economy.
County leaders emphasized the importance of a collaborative approach involving both public and private sectors to create a supportive ecosystem for youth-led enterprises. The message was clear transformation in agriculture requires innovative thinking, bold action, and a willingness to take advantage of available empowerment programmes.
Significant investments have already been made by the county government to support this mission. In the current financial year, Ksh70 million has been allocated specifically to youth and women’s initiatives, including access to the County Biashara Fund and Cooperatives Fund, meant to fuel start-ups and scale existing agribusinesses.
The workshop encouraged young people to adopt innovation and embrace value addition across the agri-food chain. Agribusiness was presented not only as a means to economic growth but also as a sustainable pathway to self-reliance and resilience in a region often affected by climate shocks and economic hardships.
Youth participants were introduced to practical financing models, digital tools, and incubation platforms that can enhance productivity and competitiveness. Sessions also covered market access, entrepreneurship development, and mentorship by industry experts.
A standout success story was shared by a young agripreneur whose poultry hatchery now produces over 1,200 chicks weekly, thanks to the KilimoBizz initiative. This reflects the real impact such programmes can have when youth take initiative and utilize available resources.
The event brought together financial institutions, academic partners, and business organizations to forge new partnerships and foster a thriving youth-led agribusiness ecosystem in Turkana. The workshop marked a step forward in empowering local youth to lead agricultural transformation.
