Soya bean farming is rapidly emerging as a game-changer for farmers in Homa Bay County, offering new opportunities for income generation, food security, and climate-resilient agriculture. With support from the government and development partners, thousands of young farmers are embracing the crop as a profitable alternative capable of meeting Kenya's growing demand for soya products.
The initiative is being implemented through the Empowering Sustainable Aquaculture (ESA) programme, spearheaded by Farm Africa and funded by the Mastercard Foundation. Although primarily focused on strengthening aquaculture, the programme also supports complementary value chains such as soya bean production to improve livelihoods and create sustainable employment.
Speaking at God Jope Trading Centre in Suba, Farm Africa's Aquaculture Programme Manager, Dr. Bundi Muguna, said the ESA programme is being implemented by a consortium of seven partners across six counties, with Homa Bay among the beneficiaries. The project prioritizes empowering youth, women, and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) through access to quality seeds, climate-smart farming practices, financial support, and reliable markets.
Dr. Muguna noted that Kenya currently produces only about 2,000 metric tonnes of soya beans annually against a national demand exceeding 200,000 metric tonnes. This significant production gap presents enormous opportunities for farmers to expand cultivation and increase household incomes.
To boost production, Farm Africa is working with village-based agents to multiply and distribute improved, drought-tolerant seed varieties. The programme aims to produce between 50,000 and 60,000 kilograms of certified seed for the next planting season.
Currently, Homa Bay County has about 6,000 young soya bean farmers supported by aggregation agents who connect producers to markets. With increasing investment and farmer participation, soya bean farming is positioning Homa Bay as a key contributor to Kenya's agricultural growth while creating sustainable economic opportunities for rural communities.
