By Robert Mutasi 
A commercial farm in Ziwa has emerged as an example of how modern agriculture can support economic growth, create employment and equip young people with practical skills.
Uasin Gishu County Executive Committee Member for Trade, Investment, Tourism, Cooperatives and Enterprise Development Dr Philip Chebunet praised JOSCO Farm during a visit to the facility, saying its approach demonstrates the potential of treating agriculture as a business.
Chebunet visited the farm alongside Chief Officer for Cooperatives Elphas Kesio and directors Kipleting Mengich and Drucilla Cherogony.
During the visit, Chebunet said he was encouraged by the innovations and farming practices being implemented at the facility.
He noted that commercial farming can generate income beyond the farm itself by creating employment opportunities, supporting suppliers and opening avenues for value addition.
According to Chebunet, the county government wants to work with farmers and private enterprises that are introducing new approaches to agriculture.
He said such partnerships could help transform farming into a sustainable commercial activity while strengthening the local economy.
“Such initiatives demonstrate that agriculture can be a key driver of economic growth when approached as a business,” Chebunet said.
Beyond production, JOSCO Farm has also opened its doors to young people seeking practical experience in agriculture.
Chebunet said the farm’s attachment and employment opportunities give young people an opportunity to learn how modern agricultural enterprises operate.
He explained that the trainees gain exposure to farming techniques, enterprise management and value addition, skills that could help them secure employment or establish their own agricultural businesses.
“JOSCO Farm is playing a crucial role in imparting agricultural knowledge and practical skills to young people through attachment opportunities and employment,” Chebunet said.
The county official added that exposing young people to commercial farming could help change perceptions about agriculture and encourage more of them to consider it as a viable career and business opportunity.
Meanwhile, Chebunet said the county administration would continue encouraging cooperation between innovative farmers, cooperatives and private-sector players.
He said such partnerships could strengthen value addition, improve farmers’ access to markets and expand enterprise opportunities across Uasin Gishu.
JOSCO Farm Director Joseph Seroney welcomed the county delegation and expressed the farm’s willingness to strengthen its relationship with the county government.
Seroney said the visit provided an opportunity for both sides to identify areas where they could work together to promote agricultural innovation and skills development.
He said the farm was ready to share knowledge and explore partnerships that could benefit farmers and young people in the county.
JOSCO Farm has been undertaking various agricultural activities and introducing modern farming practices at its facility in Ziwa.
The farm’s operations are aimed at improving productivity while demonstrating how farmers can adopt commercial approaches to agriculture.
County officials said the experience at JOSCO could provide useful lessons for other farmers seeking to improve production and increase the value of their agricultural activities.
As Uasin Gishu continues to promote enterprise development, officials say supporting successful agricultural ventures could help create jobs, strengthen rural incomes and encourage young people to take up farming as a business.
The county government is also expected to continue engaging private farmers, cooperatives and other agricultural stakeholders as it seeks to expand investment and value addition in the sector.