“As this project comes to an end next year, I can assure you all that Muino Valley Farmers Cooperative Society is our pride and joy.” those were the beautiful words from the Country Manager of E4impact Entrepreneurship Center, Kenya Bernadette Mutinda as she gave her remarks during the Launch of Muino Valley Farmers Cooperative Society at the Tamkal Secondary School grounds.
Coming to witness this historic day were the residents of Wei Wei Ward in Sigor Constituency. Under the scorching sun was a smiling population of locals often presented in effigy ready to usher a newborn among their community named Muino Valley Cooperative Farmers Society.
Surrounding Wei Wei ward is a fertile valley and highland producing a myriad of vegetables and fruits. The value chains majorly supported by the cooperative are; Mango, banana, and onion.
The need to bring these farmers together and sever their relationship with brokers was timely and urgent. All these are in a bid to maximize profit-making and better market linkages to the farmers.
A nascent Idea that started with the urge to transform the agricultural landscape evolved into an EU-funded project under the Ustahimilivu consortium that is implemented by Northern Rangelands Trust as the lead partner, E4Impact Foundation, Amref Health Africa in Kenya, CEFA – Kenya & Somalia, Somirenec, National Drought Management Authority and the West Pokot County Government.
A team from E4impact Entrepreneurship Center Kenya, with extensive support from project coordinators situated in West Pokot County Elijah Wekesa and Dorcas Yano, took time to train locals, identify a gem that had the potential to transform the lives of the locals, and bring light to it.
Muino Valley Farmers Cooperative Society had over two hundred registered members, an operational committee, and an office to call home for their operations at the time of the launch.
It is our pride to be part of economic development and improved stability in West Pokot. May Muino Cooperative go forth and conquer as they transform the lives of farmers.
To grow a successful Muino cooperative, there is a need to collaborate and create reliable market opportunities for the farmers. For collaborations and inquiries, you can contact the cooperative chairman and secretary via +254 712 464708 or +254 726 424289 respectively.
By Gideon Gachoki Kinyua – Communication Assistant- E4impact Entrepreneurship Center.
