Nairobi: An organization focused on agriculture, Kilimo Trust, has initiated a comprehensive training program for village-based agents to enhance agricultural and livestock production while creating job opportunities.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kilimo Trust’s Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Birungi Korutaro, highlighted the initiative’s goal of equipping agents within local communities with essential knowledge and skills to provide extension services, thereby supporting specific crops and livestock.
Extension services, also known as rural advisory services, are designed to supply farmers and rural stakeholders with the information and guidance necessary to improve their livelihoods, skills, and practices. Dr. Korutaro emphasized the significant role these services play in agricultural development, particularly in promoting food security, productivity, and sustainable farming practices.
“We have been able to equip them with technologies to support the dissemination of information needed by smallholder farmers to increase production, reduce post-harvest handling losses, and access markets,” Dr. Korutaro stated. Speaking in Nairobi during the celebration of Kilimo Trust’s 20th anniversary, she noted that the organization has developed curriculums and 14 value chains to reinforce the agribusiness component.
Kilimo Trust collaborates with polytechnics and technical and vocational training centers (TVETs), recognizing their pivotal role in job creation by skilling rural youth. However, Dr. Korutaro pointed out that a well-developed agriculture sector could accommodate the growing number of young graduates seeking employment.
She underscored the potential of value addition in agricultural produce as a viable opportunity for young people, suggesting that it could engage youth and mitigate regional unemployment levels. Dr. Korutaro also acknowledged the economic challenges affecting job opportunities, particularly for the youth, but affirmed that agriculture still possesses strong growth fundamentals that could provide substantial employment opportunities.
She urged regional governments to develop strategies to enhance efficiency across the agricultural value chain, thus achieving high food production to meet the demands of a rapidly urbanizing population. Notably, Kenya’s Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development reports that the average age of a Kenyan farmer is 60, with many young people disinclined toward farming due to inadequate structures and minimal returns.
Currently, Kilimo Trust collaborates with 180 companies offering experiential learning opportunities to youth, with trainees having options to join these companies, secure employment elsewhere, or start their own businesses. Dr. Korutaro expressed Kilimo Trust’s readiness to partner with the Kenyan government in youth training initiatives to contribute to job creation.
Country Team Leader for Kilimo Trust Kenya, Anthony Mugambi, encouraged youth to engage in agribusiness, emphasizing its vital role in economic development globally. He advocated for homegrown solutions to address challenges in the agriculture sector, particularly in countering climate change impacts.
The recent Economic Survey 2025 by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) revealed a rise in total employment, excluding rural small-scale agriculture and pastoral activities, to 20.8 million in 2024 from 20.0 million in 2023. World Bank data predicts Kenya’s urban population will reach 40 million by 2050, highlighting the need for sustainable agricultural practices to meet growing urban demands.
Dr. Korutaro advised on retooling extension services to provide more comprehensive information to farmers. Kilimo Trust, a non-profit organization established in 2005, operates across East Africa, focusing on inclusive and sustainable market-led agricultural value chain development. It has directly impacted over 500,000 smallholder farmers and 1.2 million indirectly across the region through its initiatives.