Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has launched piglets distribution to support young men in agribusiness.
The event that took place in Mang’u ward, Gatundu North subcounty saw more than 30 selected receive up to 10 piglets each and animal feed.
The piglet distribution is part of Governor Wamatangi’s grassroots empowerment strategy with an objective to build economic independence through agriculture in all the sixty wards in the county.
The project is aimed at boosting income and creating sustainable livelihoods.
“The long wait is finally over! I pledged to support our men by empowering them with piglets as a step towards turning them into agribusiness entrepreneurs, and today each selected group will receive up to 10 piglets and a supply of animal feed as seed capital,” Wamatangi said.
The initiative is part of a larger programme that includes the distribution of improved kienyeji chicks to women.
“Through this project we aim to engage both men and youth in pig rearing, which, if well nurtured, has the potential to uplift our people economically. This piglets distribution is part of our grassroots empowerment strategy, which has also seen my administration provide improved kienyeji chicks to women across Kiambu,” he said.
He assured residents that beyond the initial distribution, the county government would provide extension services, training, and marketing support to ensure the success.
Paul Kimani, one of the beneficiaries, told KNA pig farming has great potential in the region to change their lives economically.
“I am excited that my dream of becoming a pig farmer has materialised thanks to Governor Wamatangi. I expect that by December, my pigs will be ready to get pregnant and produce more piglets that I will be able to sell,” he said.
Kimani would like to do value addition by producing sausages and bacon and become a breeder.
“A kilo of pork goes for Sh400 in
the butchery, and a mature pig sells
at Sh30,000 to Sh40,000 depending on the size. I am also looking
to working with big companies like
Farmers Choice as they offer a reliable market,” he said.