Heifer International launches Sh12.39bn programme to transform Kenya’s agriculture

Heifer International Kenya has officially launched the Practice for Change (P4C) Signature Program, a five-year, Sh12.39 billion ($95.7 million) initiative aimed at helping 625,000 smallholder farming households achieve sustainable living incomes by 2030.

The programme will be rolled out across 26 counties, focusing on four key agricultural value chains: poultry, dairy, beef, and horticulture – all identified as high-potential sectors for driving rural economic growth and improving livelihoods.

Launched in Nairobi on Friday, the event brought together government dignitaries, development partners, private sector players, and farmer organisations to affirm their commitment to sustainable agriculture and inclusive growth.

Heifer International President and CEO Surita Sandosham reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to locally-led development as a driving force for rural transformation.

“This programme is not just a milestone for Kenya, but it is a testament to Heifer International’s unwavering commitment to transforming rural economies through sustainable, locally-led development,” said Sandosham.

“P4C is not Heifer’s program alone – it belongs to the farmers of Kenya, the women breaking barriers, the youth embracing agri-preneurship, and the partners investing in their vision.”

Running from 2023 to 2030, P4C builds on Heifer Kenya’s 44-year legacy and aligns with the country's national development priorities, including Kenya Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).

The program is anchored on four strategic pillars namely; strengthening farmer organizations, increasing agricultural productivity, enhancing the profitability of farmer-owned enterprises and expanding access to markets.

Heifer Kenya Acting Country Director Clarice Bugo-Kionge emphasized the program’s innovative, scalable approach.

“Our journey has been transformational – we have learned by doing,” she said. “We have created a hands-on model that improves smallholder farmers’ access to finance and opens up opportunities within their communities.”

Despite their critical role in ensuring food security, smallholder farmers still face a significant financing gap.

Clarice stressed the urgency of bridging this gap: “We must cushion our smallholder farmers to enhance food security and unlock rural prosperity. Heifer’s flagship programs are designed to bridge this gap through improved access to capital, technology, and markets.”

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, who officiated the launch, lauded the initiative as a strategic collaboration that aligns with national goals.

“Our agricultural sector thrives on the resilience of farmers and the private sector, including many women and youth. Achieving food security requires more than just government action — it demands people-centered partnerships like this one,” he said.

“Through Heifer’s efforts, we anticipate meaningful and sustainable improvements in rural livelihoods and living incomes.”

Mr Stephen Tirop, who is the Chair of the Ainabkoi Farmers’ Cooperative Society, welcomed the initiative, saying it offers real hope to smallholder farmers.

“This program will help us transition from subsistence to competitive, sustainable agri-enterprises,” Mr Tirop noted.

P4C also prioritizes inclusive growth, focusing on the empowerment of women and youth, and promotes climate-smart agricultural practices to boost productivity while ensuring environmental sustainability.

Funding for the program will come from a combination of sources, including Heifer’s unrestricted funds, Heifer Impact Capital investments, and leveraged donor and government partnerships, with around 60 percent of the total budget expected to come from co-managed resources.

This is more than a programme launch--it is a national call to action for collective agricultural transformation in Kenya.