Safaricom Foundation Launches Ksh 120 Million Wezesha Agri-Eco Hub in Busia County

Safaricom Foundation has unveiled the Wezesha Agri-Eco Hub Project, an ambitious Ksh 120 million initiative designed to empower over 5,000 youth, women and persons with disabilities in Busia County through agribusiness and sustainability-focused ventures.

The two-year program, a collaboration with Ustadi Foundation, Lake Basin Development Authority (LBDA), Alupe University, and the County Government of Busia, aims to revolutionize agriculture by incorporating digital literacy, climate-smart practices and value chain management to foster economic self-reliance among its participants.

Empowering Agripreneurs the initiative offers comprehensive training in agribusiness, linking over 4,000 participants to digital finance platforms to enhance access to loans, savings and insurance for agribusiness ventures.

A Centre of Excellence Demo Farm will be established in Alupe, showcasing green technologies such as solar-powered irrigation, biogas systems and e-commerce tools to boost productivity and connect farmers to local and global markets.

Strategic Partnerships Key partners have committed significant resources to the project. Ustadi Foundation has contributed Ksh18 million, while LBDA has allocated a 12-acre demonstration farm.

Alupe University and the County Government of Busia are providing technical expertise and logistical support.

Safaricom Foundation Chairman Joseph Ogutu, highlighted the transformative potential of the project.

“This initiative is part of our strategy to drive economic empowerment by inspiring a new generation of agripreneurs. It redefines agriculture as a viable and attractive path to self-reliance for youth.”he stated.

Scaling Nationwide the Wezesha III Agri-Eco Hub Project builds on earlier successes in counties like Kajiado, where over 1,000 participants established thriving agribusinesses.

If successful, the Busia pilot will serve as a blueprint for scaling the initiative to 18 additional counties across Kenya, reinforcing agriculture as a driver of economic development and climate-smart innovation.

This program underscores Safaricom Foundation’s commitment to fostering economic empowerment, sustainability, and community-driven innovation, further positioning agriculture as a cornerstone of Kenya’s development.