Farming households across 26 counties are set to benefit from a Sh12.4 billion project aimed at boosting rural incomes, increasing productivity and building resilience.
Through the Practice for Change Signature Programme by Heifer International, the 625,000 households will receive support for inclusive and sustainable rural development over the next seven years.
Speaking during the launch, Surita Sandosham, president and CEO of Heifer International, noted that the programme’s core mission is to uplift smallholder farmers through market-oriented, locally driven and sustainable approaches.
“This programme reflects our shared commitment to inclusive rural development, built on the strength and potential of Kenya’s farmers, especially women and young people,” Sandosham said.
“We believe that when women thrive, families and communities are stronger. When youth are engaged, innovation and opportunity grow.”
She pointed out the persistent challenges faced by smallholder farmers, including limited access to markets, finance, technology and climate-resilient infrastructure.
Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe stated the importance of strategic planning and partnerships in transforming the industry.
“Sector transformation requires a clear roadmap—one that provides national and county governments, development partners and the private sector with evidence-based investment opportunities, while also addressing climate change,” he said.
“Through efforts like Heifer International’s, we hope to significantly and sustainably improve rural livelihoods and increase living incomes.”
The initiative will focus on strengthening key agricultural value chains including poultry, dairy, red meat and horticulture.
The programme aims to boost productivity, improve profitability, enhance farmer organisations and increase access to sustainable markets. It also includes training in agribusiness, strengthening governance and financial management, improving access to finance and digital tools and extension services.
Clarice Bugo-Kionge, Heifer International’s Kenya country director, said P4C builds on proven models, while integrating digital technology and climate-smart practices to scale impact.
“Our focus on strengthening value chains in dairy, poultry, beef and horticulture directly supports Vision 2030’s goal of transforming agriculture into a commercially viable, modern sector,” Bugo-Kionge said.
While dairy has long been a cornerstone of Heifer’s work in Kenya, the P4C programme expands strategically into new areas, including pastoralist communities.
In a bid to address energy poverty, which contributes to post-harvest losses, P4C also integrates clean energy solutions through the Power, Water and Internet initiative.
“And because youth are Kenya’s greatest untapped resource, we’re scaling the AYuTe (Agriculture, Youth and Technology) initiative— equipping young innovators with the funding, mentorship and digital tools they need to revolutionise agricultural value chains,” she said.
“This brings jobs, attracts more youth to farming and aligns with Vision 2030’s focus on employment creation.”
The programme will also promote financial inclusion through Heifer Impact Capital, to bridge financing gaps for farmer-owned enterprises.
