Safaricom Foundation has unveiled the Wezesha Agri-Eco Hub Project, an ambitious initiative targeting over 5,000 youth in Busia County to empower them through agriculture, enterprise development, and ecopreneurship. The project, launched on December 10, 2024, is a KES 120 million pilot program set to run for two years, with key partnerships including Ustadi Foundation, Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA), Alupe University, and the County Government of Busia.
Focus on Economic Empowerment
The program, part of phase three of Safaricom Foundation’s Wezesha Agri initiative, aims to redefine agriculture as a viable and attractive opportunity for young people. It aligns with the Foundation’s strategy of economic empowerment as a pillar for community transformation.
“Our current strategy places a strong emphasis on economic empowerment as a key pillar of community transformation. This project, which is phase 3 of the Wezesha Agri Program, is designed to inspire a new generation of agripreneurs and redefine agriculture as a viable and attractive pathway for youth to achieve self-reliance,” said Joseph Ogutu, Chairman of Safaricom Foundation.
Key Objectives and Impact
The program will train over 5,000 youth, women, and persons with disabilities in agribusiness, digital literacy, and value chain management. It also focuses on promoting climate-smart farming practices, ensuring sustainable agricultural production and resilience in the face of climate challenges.
Key highlights include:
- Linking over 4,000 youth to digital finance platforms to access loans, savings, and insurance for their agribusiness ventures.
- Creating employment opportunities by connecting youth-led agribusinesses to local and international markets via e-commerce.
- Establishing a Centre of Excellence Demo Farm in Alupe, Busia County, where participants will gain practical experience in agribusiness and ecopreneurship.
Innovative Agricultural Techniques
Participants will learn cutting-edge agricultural techniques and green technologies, such as solar-powered irrigation and biogas systems. The program will also integrate digital tools to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-world applications, equipping participants with skills to thrive in a modern, tech-driven agricultural sector.
Strong Partnerships and Investments
The success of the Wezesha Agri-Eco Hub Project is built on robust collaborations. Ustadi Foundation has contributed KES 18 million alongside professional support. LBDA will provide a 12-acre demonstration farm and technical expertise in collaboration with Alupe University. The County Government of Busia has also pledged logistical and administrative support to ensure seamless implementation.
Scalability and Future Plans
This phase of the Wezesha Agri Program builds on previous successes, such as the initiative in Kajiado County, which empowered over 1,000 youth and women to launch agribusiness ventures. Should the pilot phase in Busia County prove successful, Safaricom Foundation plans to scale the program to 18 other counties across Kenya.
A Pathway to Self-Reliance
By combining agriculture, technology, and entrepreneurship, the Wezesha Agri-Eco Hub Project aims to inspire a new generation of agripreneurs, transforming farming into a sustainable and profitable pathway for Kenyan youth. With its comprehensive approach to training, funding, and market access, the program underscores Safaricom Foundation’s commitment to empowering communities and fostering economic growth.
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