Farmers in Githunguri have gained practical insights into how technology, financial solutions and agricultural expertise can help improve productivity, strengthen farm businesses and unlock new market opportunities through Safaricom’s Safire Connect Forum.
The forum brought together farmers, agripreneurs, agricultural experts and industry partners to explore practical solutions for improving farm productivity, managing finances, accessing markets and leveraging technology to grow agricultural enterprises.
The discussions were structured around three key pillars: Grow, Protect and Connect, reflecting the different ways farmers can strengthen their businesses and build more sustainable livelihoods.
Speaking during the forum, Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi, Chief Consumer Business Officer, Safaricom, said technology has an important role to play in helping farmers access the information, tools and financial solutions they need to grow their enterprises.
“Farmers are at the heart of Kenya’s economy, and as their needs evolve, so must the solutions available to them. Through Safire Connect, we are bringing together technology, financial services and agricultural expertise to help farmers make better decisions, improve productivity and connect to new opportunities. Our ambition is to ensure that digital solutions are not just accessible to farmers, but are practical tools that can help them build stronger and more resilient businesses.”
Under Grow, farmers explored practical ways to improve productivity and yields, access quality inputs and adopt better farming practices. Agricultural experts shared insights to help farmers make informed decisions, improve farm management and enhance the overall performance of their enterprises. Participants also had an opportunity to learn from industry partners on solutions that can support different stages of the agricultural value chain.
The Protect session focused on strengthening the financial foundations of agricultural businesses. Discussions covered income and cash-flow management, building a savings culture, responsible use of credit and access to digital financial solutions. Farmers were also encouraged to separate their personal and business finances to improve financial planning and gain a clearer understanding of the performance of their enterprises.
Through Connect, participants explored how digital technology and artificial intelligence can help farmers and entrepreneurs work smarter. The session demonstrated how digital tools can improve access to information and services, support business decision-making, enhance productivity and connect farmers with markets. Participants also explored how digital marketing can help farmers and small businesses reach new customers, strengthen their visibility and grow their enterprises.
The forum also provided an opportunity for participants to interact directly with solution providers, agricultural experts and other industry stakeholders, giving them a better understanding of how digital, financial and agricultural solutions can be integrated into their day-to-day operations.
Through DigiFarm, farmers can access a range of agricultural services, including farming information, inputs and financing. The platform is designed to provide farmers with tools and information that can support better decision-making and more effective management of their agricultural enterprises.
Githunguri’s economy is largely driven by agriculture, with dairy farming playing a particularly important role in supporting household incomes and livelihoods. The area has a well-established dairy value chain anchored by the Githunguri Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society, which produces Fresha dairy products.
Beyond dairy, farmers in the area engage in coffee, tea and horticulture, as well as the production of maize, beans, potatoes and leafy vegetables for local and surrounding markets. Coffee farmers, for instance, process their produce through local facilities such as the Komothai Coffee Mill, while tea is grown across the sub-county’s high-altitude areas.
The Githunguri forum is part of Safaricom’s ongoing efforts to bring digital and financial solutions closer to farmers and businesses across the country.
Through Safire Connect, Safaricom continues to create platforms that bring together farmers, experts, industry partners and solution providers, enabling them to access practical knowledge and solutions that can help build more productive, financially resilient and sustainable agricultural enterprises.
