Co-operative Bank of Kenya held a youth agribusiness forum in Kisii on Saturday. The event focused on real business opportunities for young farmers and agri-preneurs. Coffee farming, poultry production, and horticulture were the primary sectors under discussion.
The lender presented a suite of financial products tailored for youth entry into commercial agriculture. These include unsecured loans for purchasing quality farm inputs. The bank also offers financing for value-addition processes. This removes a traditional barrier for young entrepreneurs who lack conventional collateral.
"We are placing young people at the centre of modern agriculture through market partnerships," the bank stated in a communication. The initiative comes as Kenya's agricultural sector faces an ageing farmer demographic. The average age of farmers now exceeds 60 years. This demographic trend threatens productivity and innovation adoption across the sector.
County agricultural experts delivered technical sessions at the forum. Mr Lameck Nyabuto, Senior Agribusiness Officer, addressed the participants. Ms Lydia Gakii provided insights on poultry production. Mr Wilfred Ombui of Gusii Coffee Union spoke on coffee market opportunities. Their presentations focused on leveraging rapidly changing technology for improved production.
The experts emphasised climate-smart innovations for modern farming. Young farmers can access higher-value markets through technology adoption. This moves beyond subsistence farming models that have dominated the sector. The bank's approach seeks to reframe agriculture as a profitable commercial venture.
Agriculture contributes approximately 33 percent of Kenya's GDP. The sector employs more than 40 percent of the workforce. However, youth participation remains disappointingly low. Many young people view farming as unprofitable labour rather than a viable business. Co-op Bank's strategy directly addresses this perception problem.
Coffee farming presents particular opportunities for value addition. The Kisii region is well-known for its coffee production. Bank financing enables young farmers to process coffee at source. This allows them to capture greater value from their crops. Horticulture and poultry production offer short-cycle returns attractive to youth with limited capital.
The forum's emphasis on partnerships reflects a broader understanding. Financial services alone cannot drive agricultural transformation. Technical experts, agricultural organisations, and financial institutions must collaborate. The initiative aims to create an ecosystem supporting youth-led agribusinesses from production through market access.
Co-op Bank's agricultural lending portfolio has been expanding steadily. The lender positions itself as a key player in agricultural finance. Similar initiatives have launched in other agricultural regions across Kenya. These include dairy, maize, and horticulture value chains connecting youth to financing and training.
Young agri-preneurs expressed strong interest in the financing products. The unsecured loan feature proved particularly attractive to attendees. The bank's willingness to extend credit without traditional collateral represents a departure from conventional lending practices. These practices have historically excluded youth and small-scale farmers from agricultural finance.
The focus on technology underscores the bank's strategic vision. Modern agriculture requires adaptation to changing environmental conditions. Young farmers are generally more open to technology adoption. They are viewed as natural drivers of agricultural transformation.
Co-op Bank promises continued engagement with youth in agriculture. The Kisii forum will be followed by similar events in other counties. The lender is betting that structured financing and technical support can succeed. Converting youth interest into sustainable business ventures remains the ultimate goal. This would contribute to Kenya's food security and economic growth.
