By Calvin Awora
The County Government of Siaya today hosted a Mid-Term Review Mission by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) and the National Treasury to assess the implementation progress of the Rural Kenya Financial Inclusion Facility Project (RK-FINFA). The mission aims to undertake a comprehensive assessment of the project’s achievements, review its management and operational performance, and identify any implementation challenges requiring prompt action to enhance project delivery and impact. RK-FINFA is being implemented in Siaya and 13 other counties across Kenya under the leadership of the National Treasury.
Jointly funded by IFAD and the Government of Kenya, RK-FINFA seeks to transform rural livelihoods by empowering smallholder farmers and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through private sector-led development. The project focuses on improving access to appropriate, inclusive, and sustainable financial services, while strengthening the capacity of beneficiaries through financial literacy training, business development support, and linkages to financing opportunities. Through these interventions, farmers and MSMEs are better positioned to expand their enterprises, enhance productivity, and improve household incomes, contributing to broader rural economic development.
The review mission also highlighted IFAD’s continued investment in Siaya County through other flagship initiatives, including the Kenya Livestock Commercialization Project (KeLCoP) and the Aquaculture Business Development Programme (ABDP). These projects are supporting rural communities through economic empowerment, sustainable agriculture, and food security interventions across key value chains such as aquaculture, indigenous chicken, meat sheep, meat goats, dairy goats, and apiculture.
The delegation was received by the Acting County Secretary Ms. Elizabeth Adongo, County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) Hon. Willis Ochieng (Agriculture, Livestock, Food Security and Blue Economy), Dr. Nicholas Kut (Tourism, Sports, Culture and Arts), Mr. Augustine Neto Adhola (Lands, Physical Planning, Housing and Urban Development), Chief Officers Hon. Walter Okelo (Governance and Administration), Dr. Samuel Omondi Owino ( Health and Sanitation), alongside other members of the County Executive leadership.
The County Government of Siaya reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with development partners and the National Government to ensure successful implementation of transformative programs that improve livelihoods and accelerate inclusive economic growth across the County.