Gov’t kicks off plans to establish Agricultural Training Institute in Kitui

The government plans to establish a state-of-the-art Agricultural Training Institute at Kanyonyoo in Kitui County to boost farming skills and promote value addition in the livestock sector.

The decision follows a consultative meeting between officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and the Kitui County Government, which included a site visit to assess available land for the project.

Kitui CECM for Agriculture Dr. Mbaya Kimwele confirmed that the county has allocated land for the institute.

He added that an additional 5,000 acres within the B2 Yatta Ranch have been set aside for the establishment of a livestock feedlot to support value addition.

Dr. Kimwele described the institute as a critical development for Kitui residents and commended President William Ruto for prioritizing the region.

CECM for Cooperatives and SMEs Rose Mutuku said the planned feedlot would enable farmers to maximize returns from livestock production and access government extension services.

Deputy Director in the Department of Veterinary Services Michael Kyalo echoed the remarks, urging locals to embrace the project and benefit from the training and services it will offer.

Kanyonyoo MCA Mark Nding’o welcomed the initiative, noting it would have significant socio-economic benefits for the local community.