Nakuru County has taken a further step in advancing sustainable agriculture following the development and official launch of the Nakuru County Agroecology Policy, with the convening of an Agroecology Multi-Stakeholder Forum aimed at supporting coordinated policy implementation across the county.
The forum brought together representatives from county and national government institutions, civil society organisations, farmer groups, research and academic institutions, private sector actors, and development partners. The meeting provided a structured platform for engagement among stakeholders involved in agroecology, with the aim of strengthening coordination and aligning interventions under the policy framework.
Discussions during the forum focused on establishing a shared understanding of the roles and responsibilities of different actors in advancing agroecology in Nakuru County. Participants agreed on the need for collaboration to support sustainable agricultural practices that promote soil health, biodiversity, food production, and resilience at the farm and community levels. The forum emphasized that coordinated action is necessary to ensure consistency in implementation and efficient use of available resources.
A key outcome of the meeting was the collective effort to map and document all actors engaged in agroecology within the county. Stakeholders worked towards identifying institutions, organisations, and groups involved in agroecological practices, outlining their mandates, areas of intervention, and geographical coverage. This mapping exercise is intended to support improved planning, reduce duplication, and enhance information sharing among stakeholders.
The forum also facilitated discussions on the establishment of the Nakuru County Agroecology Multi-Stakeholder Platform (MSP). Participants reviewed proposed structures for the platform and contributed to the development of its Terms of Reference. The Terms of Reference are expected to guide coordination, governance, decision-making, and accountability among members of the platform. The MSP is envisioned as a formal mechanism for sustained engagement, policy oversight, and joint action on agroecology-related initiatives.
In addition, stakeholders jointly developed a roadmap to guide the implementation of the Nakuru County Agroecology Policy. The roadmap outlines key actions, timelines, and responsibilities required to operationalize the policy across different sectors and levels. It is designed to translate policy commitments into practical interventions that can be implemented by county departments, partners, and community actors.
The roadmap places emphasis on farmer participation, knowledge sharing, capacity building, and integration of agroecological principles into existing agricultural programmes. By outlining clear steps and coordination mechanisms, the roadmap aims to support consistent implementation and monitoring of progress over time.
The forum also provided an opportunity for stakeholders to align their ongoing and planned initiatives with the objectives of the Agroecology Policy. Through dialogue and information exchange, participants identified areas where partnerships can be strengthened and resources can be pooled to support shared goals. This alignment is expected to enhance coherence in the delivery of agroecology-related programmes within the county.
The convening of the Agroecology Multi-Stakeholder Forum reflects Nakuru County’s commitment to inclusive engagement and sustainable agriculture. By bringing together a wide range of actors, the county has laid a foundation for collaborative implementation of the Agroecology Policy. The outcomes of the forum are expected to guide coordinated action that supports farmers, strengthens local food systems, and contributes to the county’s agricultural development agenda.