Sectoral Value Chain Mapping in Kakamega County, Kenya

Abstract

Murimi, Michael Cheloti, Ingrid Wekesa and Arthur Onyuka

The Kenyan agricultural sector will play a pivot role in achieving its national development roadmap, Vision 2030. This report explores the agricultural value chains within Kakamega County, Kenya, focusing on sweet potatoes, bananas, soya beans, vegetables, palm oil, honey, and avocados. Data collection for the study primarily involved direct engagement with stakeholders across the various sub-counties. The study revealed the unique characteristics and challenges faced in each value chain, laying the foundation for understanding the local agricultural dynamics. These challenges included equipment shortage, lack of technical skills, and poor marketing strategies. Recommendations are put forward to address the specific hurdles and optimize opportunities within each value chain. Fostering cooperative formations, exploring value addition and enhancement of technical skills are the common themes across the recommendations for the value chains. Further, training, certification acquisition, research and development and process optimization have been suggested to bolster productivity, quality and market competitiveness. The proposed interventions require collaborative effort from the stakeholders including government agencies, non-governmental organizations and the local communities. By creating an enabling environment and implementing the recommended strategies, sustainable agricultural-based growth and economic development, aligning with the national Vision 2030, can be fostered in Kakamega County, Kenya.

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