NAIROBI: The Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) plans to spend Sh1 billion over the next ten years to improve livestock production in arid and semi arid counties. In the plans, Kwale will get Sh150 million from the revolving fund. Already Sh30 million is in use after an agreement was signed on March 28 and the money disbursed.
Other counties that have entered agreements with the KCB Foundation include Narok, Baringo and Taita Taveta while Kilifi and Laikipia will do so later this month. Speaking at a hotel in Diani during the training of seven co-operative societies that had fulfilled requirements to get loans, KCB Foundation Manager Bernard Barasa said loans under this scheme attract zero interest.
“The maximum that we can give to a co-operative society is Sh10 million. Apart from improving production, we will also assist in linking farmers with a market,” said Mr Barasa. Kwale Co-operative Society Chairman Kassim Mohammed said the members will use the initiative to develop their produce in the shortest time possible.
He said it was difficult for agricultural officers to reach farmers before the dawn of devolution.
“What continues to bedevil us, however, is the issue of accessing markets. Our produce like coconut and fruits are all being sold to Tanzania at very cheap prices,” said Mr Mohammed. And Levina Lenjo, the society’s commissioner, said through the county departments of Trade and Agriculture, they seek to put up collection centres for every crop.
“We are also trying to have a co-operative society in each ward so that farmers can have their own prices and ease transportation,” she said. Ms Lenjo said co-operative societies were being embraced by locals. She said there were only 37 co-operative societies before devolution but now the number has grown to 58.
