Murang’a County government and Nebraska State in the United States have agreed to roll out joint programmes in agriculture and labour mobility sectors.

Nebraska Secretary of State Robert Evnen, who toured Murang’a County on Saturday, said he was impressed with the county’s agricultural subsidy programme, Inua Mkulima, and the youth employment initiative under the Murang’a Youth Service.

Speaking when he led a delegation of US investors and academics for a courtesy call on Governor Irungu Kang’ata, Evnen said Nebraska State had already signed a labour mobility agreement with the national government to create opportunities for Kenyan workers abroad.

“We are exploring how both regions can venture into large-scale production of maize-based animal feed. Murang’a and Nebraska are both farming regions and we can share expertise,” he said.

The State Secretary explained that Nebraska has a long history of mechanized farming and efficient supply chains, adding that such experience could help Murang’a farmers cut post-harvest losses and increase their earnings through value addition.

He also said Nebraska was facing labour shortages in agriculture and healthcare sectors that could absorb skilled and semi-skilled workers from Kenya.

“By working together, we can meet Nebraska’s labour needs, while at the same time providing dignified employment opportunities for young people from Murang’a,” Evnen.

On his part, Kang’ata welcomed the collaboration, saying the county is keen on attracting investments and the requisite expertise that would strengthen its agricultural base.

The governor stated that Murang’a largely relies on agriculture as the major economic activity observing that with the help of expertise from Nebraska, farm production would go up, translating into increased earnings for the local farmers.

“Our priority is to connect farmers with financial options, relevant training and reliable markets, so that they can move from subsistence farming to agribusiness. 

A partnership with Nebraska is timely because it would expose our farmers to modern techniques and also open doors to international markets,” Kang’ata said.

Chairperson of Murang’a Economic and Budget Council Peter Munga appealed to both governments to design policies that support private sector investment, while keeping small-scale farmers at the centre of growth.

“Affordable credit, subsidised farm inputs, access to mechanisation and assured markets will unlock the potential of smallholders, who remain the backbone of Murang’a’s food system. If we strengthen such critical components, we reinforce the entire economy,” Munga averred.

Both delegations agreed to set up a joint technical team that will help in identify the priority areas for cooperation. The team will focus on labour placement programmes, agribusiness development, technology and skills transfer and youth empowerment.

The officials said the partnership is expected not only to boost food security but also create sustainable employment opportunities across the two regions.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Bernard Munyao and Purity Mugo