Farmers in Githunguri have gained practical insights on how technology, financial solutions and agricultural expertise can improve productivity, strengthen farm businesses and open new market opportunities through Safaricom’s Safire Connect Forum.
The forum brought together farmers, agripreneurs, agricultural experts and industry partners to explore practical ways of improving farm productivity, managing finances, accessing markets and using technology to grow agricultural enterprises.
Discussions were organised around three pillars — Grow, Protect and Connect — highlighting areas that farmers can focus on to build stronger and more sustainable businesses.
Speaking during the forum, Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi, Chief Consumer Business Officer at Safaricom, said technology can help farmers access information, tools and financial solutions needed to grow their enterprises.
“Farmers are at the heart of Kenya’s economy, and as their needs evolve, so must the solutions available to them,” she said.
Under the Grow pillar, farmers explored ways to improve yields, access quality inputs and adopt better farming practices. Agricultural experts shared insights on farm management and informed decision-making, while industry partners showcased solutions supporting different stages of the agricultural value chain.
The Protect pillar focused on strengthening the financial foundations of agricultural businesses. Participants discussed income and cash-flow management, developing a savings culture, responsible borrowing and access to digital financial services.
Farmers were also encouraged to separate personal and business finances to improve financial planning and gain a clearer understanding of their enterprises’ performance.
Through the Connect pillar, participants examined how digital technology and artificial intelligence can help farmers and entrepreneurs work more efficiently. The discussions highlighted the role of digital tools in accessing information, supporting business decisions, improving productivity and connecting farmers with markets.
Participants also explored digital marketing opportunities that can help farmers and small businesses reach new customers, increase visibility and grow their enterprises.
The forum provided farmers with an opportunity to interact directly with solution providers, agricultural experts and other stakeholders, enabling them to better understand how digital, financial and agricultural solutions can be integrated into daily farm operations.
Through DigiFarm, farmers can access agricultural services including farming information, inputs and financing. The platform provides tools and information designed to support better decision-making and more effective management of agricultural enterprises.
Githunguri’s economy is largely driven by agriculture, with dairy farming playing a significant role in supporting household incomes and livelihoods. The area has an established dairy value chain anchored by the Githunguri Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society, which produces Fresha dairy products.
Beyond dairy, farmers in the area engage in coffee, tea and horticulture, alongside maize, beans, potatoes and leafy vegetables produced for local and surrounding markets.
Coffee farmers, for instance, process their produce through facilities such as the Komothai Coffee Mill, while tea is grown across the sub-county’s high-altitude areas.
The Githunguri forum forms part of Safaricom’s wider efforts to bring digital and financial solutions closer to farmers and businesses across Kenya.
Through Safire Connect, the company continues to create platforms that bring farmers together with experts, industry partners and solution providers, giving them practical knowledge and tools to build more productive, financially resilient and sustainable agricultural enterprises.