Kisumu's first agricultural college to open doors by end of year

High school leavers pursuing courses in agriculture, have a reason to smile after the county government announced the completion of the first ever-agricultural training college in Central Nyanza.

Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong'o announced through his Agriculture executive Ken Onyango, that the Sh64 million Pap Konam Agricultural College in Seme will open its doors by the end of this year.

The construction of the college is complete.

“The contractor is just putting final touches. We have delivered the college in record time as promised. It is one of Nyong’o’s legacy projects,” Onyango said.

Speaking after an inspection of on-going works at the college, Onyango said the facility will operate as a constituent of Bukura Agricultural Training College in Kakamega, before going independent.

The college will provide improved access to training opportunities to youth in the region.

This will enhance their knowledge and skills in agricultural production and agri-business at various value chains.

“Specifically, Pap Konam Agricultural Training College-Seme is important given that the facility is expected to enhance agricultural productivity. This is by providing farmers with modern agricultural techniques, pest control methods and sustainable farming practices that can significantly increase crop yields and productivity,” he said.

He added, “Trainee farmers will also learn about climate-smart agriculture, proper fertiliser use and irrigation techniques. This will help them adapt to changing environmental conditions,” Onyango said.

The executive  said the institution will immensely contribute to the economic development of the county by improving farming and production methods.

Other areas are in crop and livestock quality, farmers can increase their income, which would uplift the local economy of Kisumu county and beyond.

Onyango who was accompanied by his chief officer Eric Omondi and the Director Of Agriculture Walter Odum, said Nyong’o wanted the college constructed to fulfil his promise to make agriculture one of the county’s main development pillars.

He added that the college will also offer training in marketing skills and cooperative strategies. This will enable farmers and other value chain actors to better access local and international markets.

A visit to the Pap Konam area showed that the college has awoken the community with villagers competing to grow vegetables and other food crops that would be needed to feed the trainees once the admission starts.

“With this college, the South West Seme location will never be the same again. Visitors to this area are already marvelling at the modern farms. We are preparing so that the college will find a place to buy food for the students,” said Stephen Ombima, Pap Konam community chairman.

Another member of the community development committee, Mzee George Opany,  said, “As you can see, the project has brought good economic prospects. Villagers  are already earning from supplying food to the contractors.”

The project development started in the financial year (2021/22) during which the perimeter fence, administration block, expandable two-classrooms block and a six-door pit latrine were tendered.

In the 2023/24 financial year, the construction of a workshop, dining hall, kitchen, multipurpose hall and staff house was budgeted for and tendered out for implementation phase II of the project. 

Great progress has been realised with over 85 per cent of contracted works completed.

Other integral project components included hostels, a water tower, water tank, septic units and the sewerage system with these being proposed works for the financial year 2024/25.

Onyango said the county government will sign a memorandum of understanding with Bukura College, to help provide practical training in sustainable agriculture and related areas.

This is with a view to provide lasting solutions to unemployment, food and nutrition insecurity.

The collaboration will also enhance and stimulate professional interaction among staff of the two institutions.

It will enrich professionalism by exchange of experience, information, publications and materials.