Nairobi: A Netherlands Development Organisation dubbed SNV and the County Government of Uasin Gishu have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to formalize and strengthen their partnership aimed at advancing inclusive and sustainable development in the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, the MoU, signed at the Uasin Gishu County government headquarters in Eldoret, provides a structured framework for collaboration in inclusive entrepreneurship, regenerative agriculture, water and sanitation, and the productive use of renewable energy, with a strong focus on women, youth, smallholder farmers, and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Rebecca Hallam, SNV Country Director for Kenya and Burundi, said the agreement symbolizes a shared commitment to practical, people-centred development. 'This MoU is more than a formal agreement; it is a commitment to shared progress. By working together, we can leverage resources, knowledge, and networks to create lasting impact for the people of Uasin Gishu. Our collaboration reflects a shared belief in inclusive development and sustainable transformation,' Hallam said.
Hallam noted that SNV brings decades of experience in agri-food systems, energy and water, which will be aligned with the county's development priorities to deliver tangible results at the grassroots. 'For a farmer at home, this partnership means capacity building and practical support to help navigate a rapidly changing world. As climate change increasingly affects livelihoods, we are supporting farmers to adapt through regenerative agricultural practices that improve yields, strengthen business models and build resilience,' she noted.
She added that the partnership will primarily target smallholder farmers, MSMEs and youth- and women-led enterprises, while also working with the county government on policy development and creating an enabling environment for sustainable growth.
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii welcomed SNV's continued engagement in the county, noting that the organisation has been active in the region for over 22 years. 'We want to appreciate SNV's presence in our county. This programme has been here for the last 22 years, and we are seeing a lot of positive activity on the ground. Today, nobody can work alone; partnerships like this are critical as we strengthen food security, improve policy implementation, and empower our people, especially the youth,' Governor Bii said.
The governor said SNV has played an important role in supporting policy formulation to ensure that county policies translate into real impact. He added that the partnership aligns with the county's focus on food preparedness, water programmes and youth empowerment. 'We have a number of youth initiatives in the county, particularly targeting young entrepreneurs, and we want them to benefit from this programme. Through our water and livelihood programmes, we are deliberately adopting models that incorporate and empower young people,' he said.
Calling on young people to embrace agriculture, Governor Bii described farming as the country's largest employer and a major opportunity for economic transformation. 'We want to encourage our young people to engage in small-scale farming such as horticulture and poultry and to develop viable business models. Through our departments, we will guide, advise, and eventually support them with grants,' he said, adding that the programme is designed to ensure no youth is left behind across all wards in the county.
SNV has operated in Kenya since 1967. It focuses on empowering communities to break the cycle of poverty by improving access to basic services and increasing their incomes.