Over 1,000 farmers in Gem subcounty, Siaya, are set to benefit from a new initiative by Kenya Breweries Limited (KBL) aimed at promoting traditional sorghum varieties for high-quality malt production. The project encourages farmers to grow local sorghum strains that are cost-effective and resistant to bird attacks.
Victor Onyango, KBL’s field officer for Siaya, highlighted that a pilot program involving 60 farmers successfully produced 76 tonnes of sorghum, generating Sh3 million in earnings. The initiative focuses on local varieties because they are easier to manage and less prone to bird damage.
“We are reaching out to farmers with larger plots, preferably five acres or more, to join our seed bulking programme,” Onyango said during a seed distribution event in North Gem ward. He emphasized that KBL is collaborating with village elders to raise awareness about the benefits of sorghum farming, providing access to affordable quality seeds.
KBL’s initiative involves identifying large-scale farmers in Gem who can act as distribution hubs. The project, which partners with aggregators and farmer groups, aims to boost sorghum production and improve local economies.
The company offers a ready market for the crops and has introduced a fast-maturing variety that takes just three months to harvest. According to Onyango, KBL ensures prompt purchase from farmers, providing a reliable income source.
Local leaders, including area assistant chief George Ooko, noted that the project has contributed to reduced insecurity, as farmers now have stable incomes. Farmers such as Agnes Achieng’, John Owino, and John Odhiambo have praised the initiative, citing improvements in their lives and communities. Odhiambo, for example, shared that he managed to build a stone house through earnings from sorghum farming.
Patron Sam Opot, who supports the program, urged farmers to take advantage of KBL’s support to enhance production and boost their socio-economic status. He reported that last season, 60 farmers produced 76 tonnes of sorghum, earning Sh3 million, and this number has since grown to over 1,000 farmers across several sublocations.
The project’s success in Siaya mirrors a similar effort in Murang’a County, where the government partnered with KBL to involve over 2,000 farmers in sorghum farming, benefiting semi-arid areas previously dependent on mango farming. Governor Irungu Kang’ata highlighted that sorghum cultivation is vital for economic growth in regions with minimal rainfall.
