Kisumu county constructs Sh64 million agriculture college

Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o speaks at the opening of Kenya sanitation and governance conference in Kisumu. [Michael Mute, Standard]

Governor Anyang' Nyong'o's administration has constructed a Sh64 million agriculture college to boost the sector in Kisumu county.

The Pap Konam Agricultural Training College, in central Nyanza, is expected to admit students towards the end of the year.

The County Executive Committee for Agriculture, Irrigation, Blue Economy, Livestock and Fisheries, Ken Onyango said construction of the facility is complete.

“The construction of the college, located in Seme sub-county is complete. The contractor is just putting the final touches. We have delivered the college in record time as promised. It is one of Nyong’o’s legacy projects,” he said.

Speaking after inspection of the college, Mr Onyango said the facility will first operate as a constituent of Bukura Agricultural Training College in Kakamega.

He was optimistic that the college will enhance access to training opportunities to youth in agricultural production and agribusiness.

“Specifically, Pap Konam Agricultural Training College-Seme is important given that the facility is expected to enhance agricultural productivity by providing farmers with modern agricultural techniques, pest control methods, and sustainable farming practices can significantly increase crop yields and productivity,” he said.

The CEC explained that the college will immensely contribute to the economic development of the county by improving farming and production methods; crop and livestock quality

Residents are optimistic that the institution will improve the economy of the area and they have already planted vegetables and other crops to supply to the students.

"With this college, the South West Seme location will never be the same again. Visitors to this area are already marveling at the modern farms. We are preparing so that the college will find where to buy food for the students,” said the Pap Konam community chairman Stephen Ombima.

Mzee George Opany, a member of the community development committee said: “As you can see, the projects has brought good economic prospects. Villagers supplying food to the contractors are laughing all the way to the bank.”