Makueni Farmers Embrace Automation Through SACCO Training

On June 27, 2025, Makueni County completed a two-day training on automation and digital record-keeping for 22 SACCOs and 13 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), organized by the Department of Agriculture and facilitated by AMTECH with support from the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP). The Makueni SACCOs automation training equipped executive committee members and bookkeepers with skills to manage financial and member records using a new digital platform, aiming to enhance efficiency for Kenya farmers.

The Makueni SACCOs automation initiative focused on streamlining key operations, including registering members, tracking contributions, managing shares, processing loan applications, and digitizing past records. Chief Officer for Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperative Development Japheth Kiminza, addressing the forum, urged bookkeepers to embrace their role, stating, “Bookkeepers must understand the value of automation and their role in overseeing its implementation.” The training emphasized accurate data entry and transaction management to improve financial services.

This initiative builds on Makueni’s efforts to support farmers through SACCOs, with nine SACCOs recently receiving Kshs. 9 million in NAVCDP grants to enhance operations. Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., who issued these grants, highlighted their impact, saying, “These grants will help SACCOs establish office operations and improve financial management through proper bookkeeping.” The Makueni SACCOs automation training ensures farmers access affordable credit and better services, boosting incomes.

The digital platform aligns with NAVCDP’s goal to commercialize agriculture, targeting value chains like mangoes and tomatoes. By improving transparency and efficiency, the Makueni SACCOs automation effort strengthens farmer groups, making it easier to manage loans and contributions.