Israel government has agreed to support the Kisii County government in capacity building and technology transfer to spur economic growth.
Speaking on Thursday during a courtesy call on governor James Ongwae, the Israel ambassador to Kenya Yahel Vilan said his government is willing to support the county in areas of agricultural research, education, environmental conservation, health and water.
During the meeting, the ambassador said Kenya remains a key pillar in the Eastern Africa region and that his government was looking to extend the friendship to the counties.
“Israel is the most successful technology lab in the world especially in the areas of agriculture, land use, water conservation, defense and healthcare. We are here to share what we have experienced in Israel not only in terms of new innovations but also professional backup and support,” said the ambassador.
He challenged county governments to look at provision of water to citizens in a broader sense because access to clean water was connected to good health and other aspects of the economy.
Governor Ongwae asked Israel government to support the county in the equipping of the Science and Technology Park that has been established at the Kisii Agricultural Training Centre.
“We need to learn from Israel in the area of agricultural management and land use. Israel has made major achievements in about 65 years despite its arid environment. In Kisii, we have a challenge of diminishing land sizes due to sub division and this is why we have to adopt new technologies in greenhouse farming as viable options to our traditional farming methods,” said Ongwae.
He added: "we look forward to getting support from Israel in equipping our newly established Science and Technology Park to facilitate business incubation and technology transfer to our farmers."
Later, Vilan and Ongwae launched the ‘Catch the Rain Project’ at Itierio Primary School in Bonchari sub county.
The project funded by Scope International and the Rotary Club of Nairobi South incorporates a 30,000 litres rainwater harvesting kit, a fish pond, greenhouse and drip irrigation units. The project will serve as a demonstration centre for Bomorenda ward and similar projects will be set up in each of the 45 wards.
In the current financial year, the county government has set aside Sh150 million for the agricultural sector.
This will be used in the implementation of various projects including Artificial Insemination (AI), Local Poultry Promotion, Construction of Fish Ponds, and provision of farm inputs among others.
Present at the ceremony were Vincent Sagwe (CeC, Agriculture), governor's wife Elizabeth Ongwae, Lilian Samwel (Scope International Country Director), Yariv Ketar (Amiran Kenya Limited) and Nairobi South Rotary Club president Alex Kirui.