The Co-operative Bank of Kenya has challenged young people to embrace technology, innovation and value addition to unlock opportunities in agriculture during the Youth in Agriculture Forum held in Eldoret.
The forum brought together young farmers, agripreneurs, industry experts and cooperative leaders to discuss emerging trends shaping the agricultural sector, including vertical farming, smart farming, biotechnology, precision agriculture and opportunities across the dairy value chain.
Panel discussions explored how young entrepreneurs can leverage modern farming technologies to increase productivity and profitability while strengthening market access. Participants also examined opportunities in agrovet services, animal health, digital agricultural solutions, marketing, distribution and value addition.
Among the panelists were Stephen Kirwa Tirop, Chief Executive Officer of Ainabkoi Farmers Co-operative Society Ltd; George Kibet, Director of Mashambani Agrovet; and Miriam Kinyua from the Department of Biotechnology at University of Eldoret.
The event was also attended by Julius Sitienei, Vice Chair of Co-op Holdings Co-operative Society and a member of the Co-operative Bank Board of Directors.
The discussions underscored the growing role of innovation and collaboration in transforming agriculture into a profitable enterprise for young people. Organisers said equipping youth with technical knowledge, business skills and access to markets is key to creating jobs, strengthening food security and driving sustainable economic growth through agriculture.
