As the short rain season approaches, residents of Makueni County, especially those living in the lower parts of the county — including Kibwezi and Kathonzweni sub-counties — are being urged to prepare early and make the most of the rains by planting drought-tolerant and short-maturing crops.
Understanding the Season
The upcoming short rains (October–December) are expected to be moderate, according to agricultural and meteorological projections. These rains are often unpredictable, both in intensity and duration, making smart preparation essential.
Farmers are therefore encouraged to choose crops that can thrive even with limited rainfall, ensuring that no drop of water goes to waste.
What to Plant
Experts recommend focusing on climate-resilient crops such as:
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Millet – thrives in semi-arid areas, matures fast, and is rich in nutrients.
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Sorghum – drought-tolerant, provides both food and fodder, and fetches a good market price.
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Cowpeas (Kunde) – quick to mature, highly nutritious, and can be intercropped with cereals.
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Green grams (Ndengu) – ideal for dry regions and helps improve soil fertility.
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Sunflower – grows well in light rainfall and provides valuable oil and livestock feed.
In addition, farmers are encouraged to plant pasture grass such as Cenchrus ciliaris (African foxtail), Boma Rhodes, or Napier grass which can later be harvested as hay or silage. This will ensure that livestock keepers have adequate feed during dry months and can even generate extra income by selling preserved fodder.
County Efforts Bearing Fruit
Under the leadership of H.E. Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr., Makueni County has continued to invest in human resources and agricultural extension services to support farmers at the grassroots level. The county has deployed:
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Ward Agricultural Officers,
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Community Health Promoters (CHPs), and
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Ward-based Technical and Extension Staff,
who work directly with households and community groups to create awareness on climate-smart agriculture, health, and nutrition.
These officers are available across all wards to offer free guidance on crop selection, soil management, fertilizer application, and post-harvest handling. Residents are encouraged to seek advice from these professionals rather than relying solely on radio or television advertisements, which often promote products or seed varieties not suited for Makueni’s climatic conditions.
Fertilizer Now Available at Affordable Prices
Farmers are further informed that government-subsidized fertilizer is available in National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots and other government-accredited centers within the county. The fertilizer is being sold at favorable prices, making it affordable for both smallholder and large-scale farmers.
Residents are urged to take advantage of this opportunity early before the rains begin to ensure they have all farm inputs ready. Timely planting remains one of the most effective ways of increasing yields and reducing the risk of crop failure.
A Call to the County Government and Development Partners
While the county government has done commendable work in improving access to extension services and agricultural inputs, there is a continued need to scale up public sensitization.
We encourage the Department of Agriculture, Irrigation, Livestock and Fisheries to strengthen community outreach through radio talk shows, local barazas, and field days, especially in remote villages where information flow is still limited.
Additionally, the county is encouraged to consider subsidies and seed support to vulnerable families, especially widows, youth, and persons with disabilities, to enable them to actively participate in the planting season. This will not only improve household food security but also contribute to the county’s overall economic resilience.
Appreciation and Final Message
We take this opportunity to commend the Department of Agriculture, Makueni County, for its consistent efforts in empowering farmers, supporting innovation, and promoting sustainable agriculture. Your presence in the field, your commitment to guiding farmers, and your response to community concerns are making a real difference.
To our farmers in Kibwezi, Kathonzweni, Kitise/Kithuki, Mtito Andei, Masongaleni, and surrounding areas — the rains are a blessing waiting to be harnessed. Prepare your land early, choose the right seeds, visit your nearest ward agricultural office, and plant wisely.
Remember: smart preparation today means food security tomorrow. Let’s all work together — residents, county officials, and local organizations — to make this short rain season a season of abundance.
#MakueniFarming #ShortRains2025 #ClimateSmartAgriculture #MutulaKilonzoJr #FoodSecurity #PTDKenya #SustainableLivelihoods
