The Nakuru County Government, through the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Veterinary Services, is developing the Nakuru County Agroecology Policy to promote sustainable and climate-resilient agricultural systems. The policy aims to guide farmers, stakeholders, and institutions in adopting agricultural practices that protect the environment, improve food security, and enhance livelihoods.

A section of the County Executive from the Departments of Agriculture, Trade, and Environment participated in a sensitization workshop where the technical working group presented the draft policy. The session provided an opportunity to share key highlights of the policy and gather feedback that will inform its finalization and adoption.

The draft policy outlines strategic interventions, regulatory frameworks, and institutional mechanisms that will support the transition to agroecological practices across Nakuru County. These include promoting soil health management, sustainable water use, diversification of farm enterprises, integrated pest management, and community-led seed systems. It also proposes the establishment of an enabling legal framework to facilitate the adoption and scaling up of agroecology within the county.

While opening the workshop, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Agriculture, Leonard Bor, emphasized that the session was designed to strengthen inter-departmental collaboration and align stakeholders for effective implementation of the agroecology policy once adopted. He noted that input from multiple sectors will be key to ensuring that the policy addresses the needs of farmers, traders, and environmental actors.

CECM Bor also acknowledged the role of partners working with the department in the policy development process. He highlighted the importance of continued cooperation with development agencies, research institutions, and farmer organizations in ensuring the successful roll-out of the policy after adoption.

The workshop brought together representatives from county departments, the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and farmer groups. Participants reviewed the proposed strategies and provided recommendations on areas such as resource mobilization, farmer training, monitoring and evaluation systems, and integration of agroecology into county development plans.

The Nakuru County Agroecology Policy is expected to serve as a guiding document for the county’s agricultural transformation agenda. Once finalized, it will provide a framework for coordinated action among stakeholders to ensure sustainable agricultural production systems that are adaptable to climate change.

The Department of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Veterinary Services will continue engaging stakeholders through consultative forums to refine the policy before it is presented to the County Assembly for adoption.