In a vibrant display of international collaboration, the Netherlands Development Organisation, known as SNV, has joined forces with the County Government of Uasin Gishu through a freshly inked Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
This partnership, sealed at the bustling Uasin Gishu County headquarters in Eldoret, promises to ignite a wave of inclusive and sustainable development, transforming lives across the region with a keen eye on women, youth, smallholder farmers, and micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The agreement establishes a robust framework for joint efforts in key sectors such as inclusive entrepreneurship, regenerative agriculture, water and sanitation, and the productive use of renewable energy.
By pooling their expertise and resources, SNV and the county aim to deliver practical solutions that address real-world challenges, fostering resilience and prosperity in one of Kenya’s most agriculturally rich areas.
A Symbol of Shared Vision and Lasting Impact
During the ceremonial signing, Rebecca Hallam, SNV’s Country Director for Kenya and Burundi, radiated optimism as she described the MoU as far more than a bureaucratic formality.
“This MoU is more than a formal agreement; it is a commitment to shared progress,” Hallam enthused. “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’s words painted a picture of hope and action, emphasizing SNV’s decades-long expertise in agri-food systems, energy, and water.
This wealth of knowledge will now align seamlessly with Uasin Gishu’s development priorities, ensuring that initiatives reach the grassroots level where they matter most.
For everyday farmers grappling with the uncertainties of a changing climate, this means hands-on capacity building and practical support.
Hallam highlighted how regenerative agricultural practices—techniques that restore soil health, boost yields, and enhance resilience—will equip smallholders to thrive amid environmental shifts.
The partnership’s focus extends beyond the fields, targeting youth- and women-led enterprises alongside MSMEs. It also includes collaborative work with the county government on policy development, crafting an enabling environment that nurtures sustainable growth.
This holistic approach ensures that economic opportunities ripple through communities, breaking barriers and unlocking potential for those often overlooked in traditional development models.
Governor Bii Hails Decades of Dedication and Future Promise
Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, beaming with pride, welcomed the deepened alliance, acknowledging SNV’s longstanding footprint in the county. “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,” Governor Bii remarked.
He stressed the indispensability of such partnerships in an interconnected world, where no entity can tackle complex issues in isolation.
“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 underscored SNV’s pivotal role in shaping effective policies that turn ambitious visions into tangible outcomes.
This collaboration dovetails perfectly with the county’s strategic emphases on food preparedness, comprehensive water programs, and youth empowerment.
He elaborated on ongoing initiatives designed to uplift young entrepreneurs, integrating them into vital sectors like water management and livelihoods.
“We have a number of youth initiatives in the county, particularly targeting young entrepreneurs, and we want them to benefit from this programme,” he explained. “Through our water and livelihood programmes, we are deliberately adopting models that incorporate and empower young people.”
In a passionate call to action, Governor Bii urged the county’s youth to embrace agriculture as a gateway to economic independence. He described farming not just as a livelihood but as Kenya’s largest employer and a cornerstone of national 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,” he said.
To make this vision a reality, the county’s departments are poised to offer guidance, advice, and even grants to budding agri-entrepreneurs.
The program’s inclusive design ensures that opportunities extend to every ward, leaving no young person behind in the pursuit of progress.
SNV’s Legacy of Empowerment in Kenya
SNV’s involvement in this partnership is rooted in its rich history of driving positive change across Kenya.
Operating in the country since 1967, the organization has dedicated itself to empowering communities by dismantling the barriers of poverty.
Through innovative programs, SNV enhances access to essential services while boosting incomes, enabling families and individuals to build brighter futures.
This MoU with Uasin Gishu represents a natural evolution of that mission, amplifying efforts in a region renowned for its agricultural prowess and vibrant entrepreneurial spirit.
As climate challenges intensify and economic landscapes evolve, partnerships like this one offer a beacon of hope.
By prioritizing regenerative practices, renewable energy, and inclusive entrepreneurship, SNV and Uasin Gishu are not only addressing immediate needs but also laying the groundwork for long-term sustainability.
The ripple effects—stronger farms, empowered youth, and resilient communities—promise to uplift Uasin Gishu and inspire similar collaborations nationwide.
This alliance stands as a testament to the power of unity, where global expertise meets local ambition to create a more equitable and thriving world.
For residents of Uasin Gishu, the future looks greener, more innovative, and full of opportunity.
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