Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe speaking at the 2025 Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County.Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe has called on counties to transform agriculture into a vibrant agribusiness sector and actively involve the youth in tapping its economic potential.
Speaking at the 2025 Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County, Malombe emphasised the need to expand the agricultural value chain as a way of attracting young people into the industry.
“The biggest achievement from this devolution conference, which we can take away from the perspective of youth and agriculture, is a change in mindset. Many youth, even now, don’t believe you can make money in agriculture,” he said.
Malombe noted that agriculture remains a backbone of Kenya’s economy, contributing about 33 per cent to the national GDP.
He urged the youth to view agriculture as a means of self-employment and a source of jobs for others, stressing that mindset change is crucial in shifting perceptions.
He underscored the importance of giving young people a voice in agricultural forums and ensuring they have access to both finance and markets for their products.
In Kitui County, the governor revealed, a youth agribusiness programme has been rolled out, targeting “agri-preneurs” in all 40 wards.
Each ward has seven trained and supported young people — a total of 280 across the county — who are engaged in various agricultural enterprises. The programme offers financing, capacity building, and mentorship to help youth view farming as a modern, profitable venture rather than a “dirty” occupation.
“We are encouraging small-scale agriculture where the youth can be actively involved, and we are walking with them every step of the way,”Malombe said.
The governor’s remarks come amid growing calls for counties to leverage agriculture not only for food security but also as a strategic driver of economic growth and youth employment.
The Devolution Conference 2025 is organised by the Council of Governors (CoG) together with various state and non-state actors to mark a significant milestone in Kenya's devolution journey and provide a platform for sharing experiences, best practices, and innovations in devolved governance.
Conference offers an opportunity for delegates to network with key stakeholders; exchange best practices, and contribute to policy recommendations that will shape the next phase of devolution.
