Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboihas outlined an ambitious economic transformation agenda anchored onagriculture, peace, youth empowerment and value addition, calling forcollective efforts to accelerate development and improve livelihoods across thecounty.
Speaking during the 63rd MashujaaDay celebrations held at Bartolimo Comprehensive School in Baringo NorthSub-County, Governor Cheboi said the county was focusing on transformingagriculture from subsistence production into profitable commercial venturescapable of creating jobs and wealth.
He identified farmers, teachers,health workers, security officers, boda boda riders and parents as among theeveryday heroes whose contributions continue to shape communities and drivedevelopment.
Anchoring his address on thisyear's theme of Peace, Sports and the Economy,Cheboi said lasting development depended on security, opportunities for youngpeople and a resilient local economy.
On agriculture, the Governorhighlighted coffee, livestock, honey and dairy as key value chains withsignificant economic potential. He revealed that Baringo produced approximately350 metric tonnes of coffee in the 2025/2026 season, generating an estimatedKSh230 million for farmers.
The county is targeting 5,000acres under climate-resilient coffee production by 2030, with projected annualoutput of 500 tonnes valued at approximately USD3 million.
In the livestock sector, Cheboireported an increase in average goat carcass weight from 68 kilogrammes to1015 kilogrammes, while primary production had grown from 554 to 980 metrictonnes. The county is targeting annual goat meat production of 5,000 tonnes by2030, with potential export earnings of USD25 million.
He also cited honey production asanother promising economic frontier, noting that Baringo currently producesapproximately 882 tonnes annually, valued at KSh350 million, alongside 162tonnes of beeswax. The county is targeting 3,000 tonnes of certified organichoney annually by 2030, with an estimated export value of USD15 million.
On dairy development, theGovernor reported that daily milk production had increased by 43 per cent, from28,000 kilogrammes in 2018 to approximately 40,000 kilogrammes currently. He,however, called for greater investment in improved breeds, animal feeds, wateraccess and climate-smart farming practices.
Cheboi further highlighted theKSh19 million FSRP Inclusion Grant, through which the county is supportingfarmer cooperatives, SACCOs and Farmer Producer Organisations to strengtheninstitutional capacity, improve access to markets and enhance farmers'bargaining power.
Addressing food security concernsfollowing an underperforming planting season, the Governor appealed to nationaland non-state actors to support vulnerable households. He also urged farmers toprepare for replanting when the rains return and encouraged communities toembrace water harvesting, conservation and short-duration crops.
On security, Cheboi acknowledgedimprovements arising from the multi-agency Operation Maliza Uhalifu and theefforts of national security agencies. He called for sustained peacebuildingalongside the reconstruction of roads, bridges, markets and health facilities,as well as the reopening of schools previously affected by insecurity.
He commended President WilliamRuto and the National Government for their continued support, whileappreciating security officers, community leaders and residents for promotingdialogue and peaceful coexistence.
The Governor challenged residentsto complement government efforts by protecting natural resources, supportinglocal enterprises and encouraging young people to pursue education, technicalskills, sports and entrepreneurship.
The generation before us foughtfor freedom; our responsibility is to fight poverty, unemployment, foodinsecurity, inequality and underdevelopment, Cheboi said.
He urged residents to remainunited and translate the county's development opportunities into lastingprosperity, describing ordinary citizens and workers as the heroes of Baringo'sdevelopment journey.
The Mashujaa Day celebrationsprovided an opportunity for the county to reflect on its development prioritieswhile recognising the contribution of individuals and communities to nationaland local progress.