The Kisumu county government has acquired 4 new four-wheel drive tractors in a bid to improve agricultural productivity in the devolved unit, known more for fishing activities.
Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o on Wednesday presided over a brief ceremony of flagging off the four tractors at the county headquarters.
The four tractors were acquired at a total cost of Sh13 million, according to information shared by Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o’s Communication Unit.
“The County Government of Kisumu has acquired four 80HP four wheel drive tractors at a cost of Sh13 million. The idea is to enhance mechanization of agriculture in the county in a bid to promote value addition for small holder farmers,”Nyongo's communication unit posted on Facebook.
“The four tractors currently domiciled at the Agriculture Mechanization Service Station at Rabuor are now available for hire by farmers at a subsidized price of Sh2, 500 against the current market price of Sh4, 500 per acre,” the unit added.
Kisumu is one of the four Luo Nyanza counties that border Lake Victoria, which explains why most residents eke a living out of fishing either as fishermen or fishmongers.
The county is also known for rice production in Ahero and sugar cane plantation in areas such as Muhoroni, Chemelil, Awasi and Miwani.