Boost for Yatta farmers as Wavinya Ndeti rolls out major farm input drive

Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has launched a major agricultural boost for farmers in Masinga Central and Kivaa Wards, Yatta sub-county, under the Emergency Locust Response Project.

The pilot project seeks to distribute critical farm inputs as part of her government’s ongoing efforts to revitalise the county’s economy.

Speaking during the input distribution drive, Governor Wavinya emphasised that the initiative aligns with her administration’s development blueprint — “Chakula Mezani, Pesa Mfukoni” — which prioritises food security and economic empowerment.

“Agriculture remains the backbone of Machakos County’s economy, contributing to over 70% of household incomes. That is why we are investing directly in our farmers — because their success is our county’s success,” she said.

In Masinga Central, the distribution included 648 Galla goats, over 3,400 improved kienyeji chicks, poultry feed, beehives, honey processing equipment, fertilisers, hermetic storage bags, and pest control insecticides.

Similarly, in the nearby Kivaa Ward, residents benefited from over 2,200 chicks, fertiliser, and nearly 950 hermetic bags, which she says would expand the local agricultural resilience.

The county boss noted that previous beneficiaries of similar programs are already witnessing positive results, citing the increased egg production, goat reproduction, and honey harvests being reported across the region.

“These are not just statistics. These are real stories of transformation from our communities — families that now have more food on the table and more money in their pockets,” she stated.

The governor, at the same time, inspected the ongoing county projects in the area and gave updates on the state of some of the works being done in the county.

Some of the ongoing development projects include the construction of new weirs, road rehabilitation, and street lighting installations.  

She said some of the delays in the implementation of major projects had been caused by the heavy rains, noting that borehole drilling is underway in several parts of the county to improve access to clean water in the county.

Regarding the state of the Machakos County Stadium, Wavinya said it would undergo renovation, and that a new ultrasound machine will be delivered by the end of May to boost the region’s healthcare services.

Likewise, the governor announced plans to launch the Machakos Youth Empowerment Program which she said would be instrumental in creating opportunities for young people and employing more ECDE teachers to strengthen early childhood education.

She also used the occasion to reiterate her support for Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, urging residents to back him in his national political journey.

“Let us stand behind our own — Kalonzo Musyoka is a key figure for this country and he deserves our full support,” she said.