EU Ambassador visit to Makueni County on 29th October 2020

EU Ambassador visit to Makueni County on 29^th October 2020

The EU ambassador H. E. Simon Mordue visited Makueni County on 29th Oct 2020. Among the projects visited was the Kwa Kathoka Agricultural Training Centre (ATC).  The ambassador was accompanied by members of EU delegation led by Andrea Ferrero.

Kwa Kathoka ATC is being supported by EU (through Danida) through the AgriFI food safety programme to enhance farmer training, specifically on food safety. MESPT is the implementing Partner in the arrangement. The Centre has received support, both in terms of infrastructure and policy review with the aim of making it a model Farmer Training Centre in the Lower Eastern region. The support includes renovation and equipping of ICT Resource Centre, installation of fittings and fixtures in the training Hall, Setting up of the Horticulture Seed duplication unit. The ATC is also being accredited by Technical and Vocational Education and Training Authority (TVETA) to train Competency Based Education & Training (CBET) especially in aquaculture, dairy and horticulture value chains of which leaners will receive certificates recognized by the Kenya National Qualifications Framework (KNQF). Furthermore, the programme has initiated plans to establish a modern dairy, horticulture, and aquaculture units to enhance demonstrations at the center in line with CBET requirements. Other support accorded to the Makueni county government through the AgriFI food safety programme includes the establishment of County Food Safety Coordination Committee, Development of food safety Policy, training of County Food Safety Inspectors for improved regulation and Training of Trainers (ToTs).

In his address, the Ambassador was impressed by the level of investment done at the centre and challenged the County to mobilize the youth and women to take advantage of the resource. He applauded the good collaboration between the County government and MESPT.