The Kisumu county government has unveiled the Pap Konam Agricultural Training College, a Sh64 million project aimed at revolutionizing the agricultural sector in the region.
The institution, located in Seme sub-county, is set to open its doors by the end of the year, marking a significant milestone in the county’s development agenda.
The college is a brainchild of governor Anyang’ Nyong’o’s administration and is designed to provide young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in agribusiness.
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to boost income per capita and enhance agricultural production in Kisumu county, especially among the youth.
The facility will initially operate as a constituent of Bukura Agricultural Training College in Kakamega before becoming an independent entity.
Speaking while inspecting the facility, the County Executive Committee member for Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock and Fisheries, Ken Onyango said constructions works were complete.
“The construction of the college has been completed in record time, with the final touches currently being applied. We want it to open its doors by the end of this year and start admissions in January next year,” he said.
With around 70 percent of the lakeside city population still heavily reliant on agricultureand agribusiness-related activities the college will be one of the key sources of income and employment generation for youth for many years to come.
Attracting young people to the agri-food systems Nyong’o said, requires developing a more modern, profitable, and efficient agriculture and agribusiness sector training institution.
“This will promote decent rural youth employment and entrepreneurship in Agriculture and Agribusiness as well as generate income and employment opportunities across agricultural value chains,” he said.
Pap Konam Agricultural Training College is expected to play a pivotal role in transforming the agricultural landscape of Kisumu County by involving the youth in agri-food systems.
By offering training in modern agricultural techniques, pest control methods, and sustainable farming practices, the college aims to significantly increase crop yields and productivity.
Trainees will also learn about climate-smart agriculture, proper fertilizer use, and irrigation techniques, equipping them to adapt to changing environmental conditions.
“The college’s impact extends beyond education. It is poised to contribute immensely to the economic development of the county by improving farming and production methods,’’ said Onyango.
The community around Pap Konam is already feeling the positive effects of the project.
Local farmers have started planting vegetables and other crops to supply the college, creating new economic opportunities more so for the jobless youth who have ventured into agri-business farming.
The anticipation of the college’s opening has brought a sense of optimism and excitement to the area, with residents preparing to support the institution in various ways.
