Last Updated on June 18, 2026 by Joao Pedro
Co-operative Bank of Kenya has strengthened its commitment to youth-led agribusiness through the successful hosting of the fifth edition of its Youth in Agriculture Forum in Meru County.
The event brought together young agripreneurs, agricultural experts and development partners for discussions focused on turning farming into a sustainable and profitable venture for the next generation.
The forum forms part of the bank’s broader strategy of supporting agriculture, a sector that remains one of the largest contributors to Kenya’s economy and a key source of employment for millions of people.
Speaking during the event, Co-op Bank emphasized that access to financing alone is not enough to transform agriculture.
The bank noted that young farmers also require technical knowledge, market access, mentorship and strong partnerships to build successful agribusiness enterprises.
According to the lender, the forums are designed to bridge that gap by connecting young people with industry experts and stakeholders who can help them unlock opportunities within various agricultural value chains.
Participants received insights from leading figures in the coffee, dairy, potato and poultry sectors.
Among the speakers was Duncan Marete, Chief Executive Officer of Meru Central Coffee Union, who shared perspectives on opportunities available within the coffee industry and strategies that farmers can use to improve earnings from the crop.
Paul Kirimi, Chief Executive Officer of Katheri Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society, discussed the growing opportunities in dairy farming and highlighted the importance of value addition and proper farm management practices.
The potato value chain was represented by Kiome Kironya, Chairman of Meru Tamu Potato Farmers, who outlined the potential of commercial potato farming and encouraged young people to view agriculture as a business rather than a subsistence activity.
Caroline Kanana, Veterinary Officer in Charge at KENCHIC Meru, offered practical guidance on poultry farming and animal health management, highlighting opportunities available to young entrepreneurs entering the sector.
The event comes at a time when Kenya is increasingly encouraging youth participation in agriculture as a way of addressing unemployment while boosting food production and economic growth.
Many experts believe that modern farming presents significant opportunities for young people willing to embrace technology, innovation and value addition.
Co-op Bank has positioned itself as one of the country’s leading agricultural financiers, supporting farmers, cooperatives and agribusiness enterprises through tailored financial products and capacity-building programs.
The Youth in Agriculture Forum reflects the bank’s continued efforts to create an ecosystem where young farmers can access not only funding but also the knowledge and networks necessary for long-term success.
By bringing together experts, successful farmers and aspiring agripreneurs under one platform, the forum provided participants with practical lessons and valuable connections that can help them grow profitable agricultural ventures.
As Kenya seeks to attract more young people into farming, initiatives such as the Youth in Agriculture Forum are expected to play a key role in changing perceptions about agriculture and demonstrating its potential as a viable business opportunity.
The bank reiterated its commitment to supporting young farmers across the country, noting that empowering the next generation of agribusiness leaders is critical to securing the future of Kenya’s agricultural sector.
