By SHABAN MAKOKHA
April 1, 2026| By Shaban Makokha
Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has ushered in a new phase in the county’s push to boost agricultural productivity and improve farmer livelihoods, presiding over the swearing-in of Amos Oscar Odunga as the new Chief Officer for Livestock and Fisheries.
The brief but solemn ceremony at the county headquarters underscored both the weight of responsibility and a sense of renewal as the county moves to reinvigorate a sector seen as central to job creation and household income.
Odunga takes over the docket with a pledge to build on the legacy of his predecessor, the late Jessica Weku Wesonga.
Governor Barasa hailed the appointment as a strategic step toward revitalizing the livestock and fisheries sector, describing Odunga as “a professional whose experience, vision and commitment will be instrumental in driving sustainable growth and innovation.”
“Mr Odunga brings invaluable expertise that will help us accelerate service delivery and expand opportunities for our farmers,” the Governor said. “I have full confidence that under his guidance, we will strengthen value chains, boost productivity and support households that depend on livestock and fisheries for their livelihoods.”
The ceremony carried emotional undertones as the county paid tribute to Wesonga, who held the docket with distinction until her passing in September last year. Barasa praised her dedication, noting that the county remained indebted to her efforts to streamline operations and champion farmer welfare.
“The late Jessica Wesonga was a dedicated public servant who served with distinction, passion and commitment,” he said. “We honour her memory today as we hand over the baton to new leadership that will be built upon the foundation she laid.”
Barasa emphasized that Odunga’s appointment was not merely administrative but a strategic step toward accelerating agricultural transformation.
In his remarks after taking the oath of office, Odunga expressed gratitude for the opportunity and pledged to work closely with farmers, cooperatives, and sector agencies to scale up production and enhance food security. He identified disease control, extension services, market access, and youth engagement as key early priorities.
“I am humbled by the trust bestowed upon me,” he said. “My mission is to serve with integrity and ensure that livestock and fisheries resources create wealth, improve incomes and transform communities across Kakamega.”
He further committed to prioritizing farmer engagement, market access, animal health, and youth participation in modern livestock and fisheries ventures.
The department supports thousands of households involved in dairy farming, poultry production, aquaculture, and small-scale fishing. It also oversees key programs including dairy development, poultry improvement, artificial insemination services, disease control, aquaculture expansion, and farmer extension training.
Odunga officially assumes his duties immediately, as the county moves to fast-track ongoing livestock development programmes and fisheries modernization initiatives.
He singled out aquaculture as an area with untapped potential, noting that the county could significantly expand fish farming to meet growing demand for affordable protein.
“From lake-zone communities to upland farmers, we have an opportunity to grow aquaculture into a stable income stream,” he said. “We will invest in training, hatcheries, feeds and extension support to make this a reality.”
His appointment is expected to bring renewed energy to tackling challenges in the sector through policy reforms, field outreach, and value chain modernization.
Farmers have expressed optimism about the future. Mary Imboko, a dairy farmer from Khwisero, said she hoped the new Chief Officer would strengthen artificial insemination services and improve access to quality feeds.
“We are ready to work with him,” she said. “Our wish is to have reliable extension officers and better veterinary support so that our animals remain healthy.”
On the fisheries front, 28-year-old aquaculture farmer Moses Wanyande noted the need for greater investment in hatcheries. “If the new Chief Officer can help us access affordable fingerlings and training, fish farming will grow rapidly,” he said.
Governor Barasa offered firm guidance to the new Chief Officer, urging him to embrace teamwork, transparency, and accountability. “This work requires dedication and collaboration,” he said. “Farmers are depending on you. Let us deliver.”
He added that the county government would continue investing in programmes to uplift livestock keepers, fish farmers, and agribusiness entrepreneurs.