The Israel Government has agreed to support the Kisii County Government in capacity building and technology transfer to spur economic growth.
Speaking during a courtesy call on Governor James Ongwae, the ambassador of the state of Israel in Kenya H.E. Yahel Vilan said his Government was willing to support the County in the areas of agricultural research, education, environmental conservation, health and water.
During the meeting, the ambassador said Kenya remained a key pillar of friendship 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, defence 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 in a broader sense because access to clean water was connected to good health and other aspects of the economy.
Governor Ongwae asked the 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. The state of Israel has made 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 lie greenhouse farming as viable options to our traditional farming methods. 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,” said Ongwae.
Later, the ambassador and Governor Ongwae launched the ‘Catch the Rain Project’ at Itierio Primary school in Bonchari Sub County. The project incorporates a 30,000 litre 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 KShs.150million 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.
