By Bonface Mulyungi

Kisumu county has taken a step towards modernising agriculture with the official commissioning of the Pap Konam Agricultural Training Centre in Seme.

The new facility, built at a cost of about Sh87 million, is expected to become a hub for climate-smart farming, youth agripreneurship and practical agricultural training.

 The project reflects a shared vision between the county government and the community.

 Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o said the facility represents both a milestone and a long-term investment in transforming agriculture into a sustainable and commercially viable sector.

 The governor noted that the project is a product of community-driven development and collective effort.

 “Today is a moment of pride and shared accomplishment. We are not just commissioning buildings, but affirming a vision nurtured over time through patience, sacrifice and commitment,” he said.

 Nyong’o commended the community for supporting the project from its inception to completion.

 He described their contribution as the foundation upon which the institution now stands.

 He also acknowledged the efforts of county departments, the county assembly, development partners and technical teams who ensured the project’s success.

 Special recognition was given to the department of agriculture, the department of finance and economic planning for mobilising resources and the department of works for executing the construction.

 The governor emphasised the central role agriculture plays in Kisumu’s economy. He said the sector contributes about 16 per cent of the county’s gross income.

 He added that one in every two households in Kisumu depends on agriculture, livestock or fisheries for their livelihoods.

 Despite its importance, Nyong’o noted that the sector continues to face major challenges. These include climate change, pests and diseases, declining productivity and low youth participation.

 “These realities call for deliberate, forward-looking interventions,” he said.

 The Pap Konam Agricultural Training Centre is expected to serve as a hub for climate-smart agriculture and practical learning.

 The governor said the institution will train extension officers, support youth agripreneurship and provide a platform for research and demonstration of modern farming techniques.

 The project began in the 2021–22 financial year and has been implemented in three phases, with the county government investing approximately Sh87 million.

 Nyong’o said the facility aligns with the county’s development agenda and national priorities on agricultural transformation, food security and climate resilience.

 A key focus of the centre will be attracting young people into agriculture, addressing concerns over an ageing farming population.

 “Our youth must be empowered to engage confidently and productively in agriculture. The sustainability of our food systems depends on their active participation,” Nyong’o said.

 He called on development partners, private sector players and research institutions to collaborate with the centre through curriculum development, internships and technology transfer.

 The county government is already planning to expand the facility, including acquiring an additional 30 acres of land to support future growth.

 Nyong’o said discussions are ongoing to partner with the Kenya School of Agriculture to integrate the centre as a constituent college.

 He said such a partnership would strengthen academic training while ensuring the institution remains accessible and beneficial to the community.

 The governor urged residents of Pap Konam and the wider Seme subcounty to take ownership of the facility and support its growth.