Safaricom Foundation has launched the Wezesha Agri-Eco Hub Project in Busia County, an ambitious economic empowerment initiative targeting over 5,000 youth, women, and persons with disabilities. The program, which focuses on agribusiness, enterprise development, and ecopreneurship, comes with a KES 120 million investment over two years, marking a major milestone in sustainable agriculture and youth empowerment.
The pilot program is being implemented in collaboration with key partners, including Ustadi Foundation, Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA), Alupe University, and the County Government of Busia. It aims to equip participants with skills in agribusiness, digital literacy, value chain management, and climate-smart farming practices to build resilience in agricultural production.
“Our current strategy places a strong emphasis on economic empowerment as a key pillar of community transformation. This project, which is phase 3 of the Wezesha Agri Program, is designed to inspire a new generation of agripreneurs and redefine agriculture as a viable and attractive pathway for youth to achieve self-reliance,” said Joseph Ogutu, Chairman of the Safaricom Foundation.
Training & Skills Development: Over 5,000 participants will be trained in agribusiness, digital literacy, and value chain management to improve productivity and market access.
Digital Finance Integration: The program will link over 4,000 youth to digital finance platforms, enabling them to access loans, savings, and insurance products to support their agribusiness ventures.
Demo Farm & Green Technologies: A Centre of Excellence Demo Farm will be established in Alupe, Busia County. This facility will offer hands-on training in modern agricultural practices, including the use of solar-powered irrigation, biogas systems, and digital tools to access financial services and markets.
Market Access: The initiative aims to connect youth-led agribusinesses to local and international markets via e-commerce, fostering employment opportunities and enterprise growth.
The success of the Wezesha Agri-Eco Hub Project hinges on robust partnerships. The Ustadi Foundation has committed KES 18 million alongside professional implementation support. The Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA) has provided a 12-acre demonstration farm, while Alupe University and Busia County Government offer technical expertise and logistical support.
The Wezesha III Agri-Eco Hub Project builds on the success of earlier initiatives, such as the program in Kajiado County, where over 1,000 youth and women established thriving agribusinesses.
If the pilot program in Busia proves successful, Safaricom Foundation plans to scale the initiative to 18 other counties across Kenya. The expansion is expected to position agriculture as a key driver of youth employment, economic development, and climate-smart farming innovations.
This initiative aligns with Safaricom Foundation’s broader mission to foster economic empowerment, innovation, and sustainability through strategic investments in community-driven programs.