Oloitoktok, September 13th, 2023 On a day filled with excitement and celebration, the Wezesha Agri Program held its graduation ceremony at the Wezesha Demo Farm in Oloitoktok. The colorful event brought together various stakeholders, including government officials, agricultural experts, youth entrepreneurs, and local farmers.
The memorable ceremony began with the arrival and registration of over 700 graduates who had completed the Wezesha Agri Program. These graduates, the backbone of the program’s success, were at the forefront of the day’s celebrations.
As the farmers arrived and the graduates registered, they were greeted by the vibrant atmosphere of the Wezesha Demo Farm, nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of Oloitoktok, Kenya. This Demo Farm is a beacon of agricultural ingenuity and sustainable practices.
After registration, farmers and graduates had a chance to tour the farm, admiring its lush greenery, modern irrigation systems, and the pulse of activities on the farm. The county Department of Agriculture also organized informative farm visits with different organizations.
The companies that showcased their goods and services included Solargen, Bayer/Seminis, NCCP, Farmfix, Eastwest, Truevet, KenAgro, Empire, and Jiko Meko. Participants had the opportunity to explore exhibition stands showcasing the latest in farm products and techniques, gaining valuable insights into the future of farming.
County Department of Agriculture representatives guided the participants through the informative displays, offering explanations and facilitating discussions. Attendees marveled at the possibilities of incorporating solar-powered solutions and advanced fertilizers into their farming routines.
The event gained momentum with the arrival of VIPs, who joined in the farm visits and engaged with exhibitors. The day’s program was skillfully moderated by the Master of Ceremonies, ensuring that each segment flowed seamlessly.
The opening prayer set a reflective tone, followed by a burst of energy as traditional Maasai dancers graced the stage with captivating performances. The vibrant display of culture and tradition was a fitting introduction to the event.
Mr. Lekapusha Kerika, Deputy Sub County Administrator, welcomed the attendees with remarks acknowledging the occasion’s significance. He emphasized the importance of the Wezesha Agri Program in the region and its transformative impact on the lives of young farmers.
Madam Victoria Nthenya Paul, the county director of agriculture in Kajiado, followed with insightful remarks on the agricultural landscape in the county. She highlighted the role of the Wezesha Programme in equipping the youth with the knowledge and skills needed to contribute to sustainable agriculture.
Jennifer Githinji, Director of Africa Instore Solutions (AIS), took the stage to provide an overview of the Wezesha Programme. “The Wezesha Agri Programme, implemented in partnership with Safaricom Foundation and GIZ EnDev, has established a 7-acre demonstration farm using a farmer field school approach. This innovative farm serves as a hub for training and capacity-building in climate-smart agriculture, aiming to empower 1,000 farmers with knowledge and skills for sustainable and inclusive farming. The training covers diverse topics, including good agricultural practices, food safety, group dynamics, business skills, and home economics.” The director explained.
She further explained that the program encourages the adoption of climate-smart technologies and renewable energy solutions, such as solar power and biogas, to enhance agricultural practices and sustainable business operations. “We equip beneficiaries with the ability to increase farm productivity, embrace climate-smart agriculture, expand farming enterprises, and identify youth employment opportunities in rural areas,” Jeniffer stated.
In her empowering speech, she explained Wezesha’s mission. She emphasized its commitment to empowering youth, particularly women, in Kenya by addressing key agricultural challenges and harnessing the potential of young entrepreneurs.
In a moment of artistic beauty, a choir captivated the audience with musical voices, providing a brief interlude before recognizing crucial government officers who attended the event.
Valerie Ostheimer, Program Manager of EnDev, delivered an inspiring speech, highlighting the significance of the Wezesha Agri Programme’s partnership with GIZ and the broader impact of sustainable agriculture on local communities.
She further provided her thoughts about the Wezesha Demo Farm, stating that such a demo farm is the best practice if you want to see it replicated at other farms. “So this is a start; it demonstrates that the Demo Farm can be a training hub for others to see how it can work to use these innovative technologies. Yesterday, we saw many other farmers who have replicated this on a smaller scale and want to see this happen throughout the country.” Valerie stated.
Joseph Ogutu, Chairman of Safaricom Foundation, shared his insights into the Foundation’s commitment to the Wezesha Programme and its dedication to nurturing young talent in the agricultural sector. “Safaricom is about transforming lives. One of the most important things we want to see is that people’s lives improve. That’s why we have partnered with you all in different projects that will bring change to your lives,” he stated. He encouraged the graduates to use their knowledge and skills to make a difference in the community and beyond.
The ceremony’s highlight was the recognition of Wezesha graduates, underscoring the program’s success in equipping youth with the skills and knowledge needed for sustainable farming. Graduates beamed with pride as they received recognition for their dedication and hard work.
Esther Naishinda, a Wezesha graduate, beamed with pride as she received her certificate. When asked how it felt to be equipped with this knowledge, she said, “I have learned a lot about kitchen gardens, irrigation, different fertilizers, and I know all about herbicides. I am excited and can’t wait to implement everything I have been taught. Thank you, Wezesha, for empowering us!”
To celebrate their achievements, outstanding beneficiaries were awarded certificates by a panel that included the Chairman of Safaricom Foundation, the GIZ Program Manager, and Jennifer Githinji, the Director of AIS.
As the event drew to a close, the MC offered heartfelt closing remarks, expressing gratitude to all participants, stakeholders, and organizers for their contributions to the success of the graduation ceremony. A closing prayer marked the end of the formal proceedings.
The day ended on a high note with a flurry of photo opportunities, allowing attendees to capture the memories of this remarkable event.
The Wezesha Agri Program graduation ceremony exemplified the power of partnerships, knowledge sharing, and youth empowerment. It demonstrated how collaborative efforts can lead to sustainable agriculture and economic development, paving the way for a brighter future for Kenya’s youth and agriculture sector.
