Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii, popularly known as "Koti Moja," has scored a major diplomatic and economic coup by signing a sweeping Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Netherlands Development Organisation (SNV). The deal, inked at the county headquarters in Eldoret, is set to inject millions into the region’s agrarian economy, directly feeding into the Governor’s "Nguzo Kumi" development blueprint.

The partnership formalizes a relationship that has existed for over two decades but now shifts gears towards high-impact, scalable interventions. SNV Country Director Rebecca Hallam, who flew in for the signing, described Uasin Gishu as a "model partner" for sustainable development in East Africa.

Targeting the Youth and Soil

The MoU is not just paperwork; it is a funded mandate targeting three critical pillars essential for the county’s future:

• Regenerative Agriculture: With soil acidity rising due to excessive fertilizer use, the project will train 8,000 smallholder farmers on organic restoration techniques to boost maize and wheat yields.
• Youth Entrepreneurship: Through the "IYBA-SEED" program, the partnership will provide seed capital and mentorship to youth-led startups, moving them from boda boda riding to agribusiness processing.
• Renewable Energy: Promoting biogas and solar solutions to reduce production costs for dairy farmers.

"Koti Moja" Delivers

“We are moving from subsistence to commercial sustainability,” Governor Bii declared. “This partnership ensures that our farmers get the technology they need to feed the nation while putting money in their pockets.”

For a county that views itself as Kenya’s breadbasket, this deal is a timely fertilizer for growth. It signals that devolution is maturing, with counties now bypassing national bureaucracy to secure direct international funding for their people.