HOMA BAY, Kenya — Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga has signed a partnership with Charlene Ruto’s Smart Mechanized Agriculture and Climate Action for Humanity and Sustainability (SMASCHS) Foundation to strengthen and expand apiculture (beekeeping) activities across the county.
In a statement on Tuesday, October 28, Governor Wanga announced that the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on the sidelines of the National World Food Day celebrations held in Kendu Bay.
“We have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with SMART Mechanized Agriculture and Climate Action for Humanity and Sustainability (SMASCHS) to promote, expand, and sustain apiculture activities throughout the county,” said Governor Wanga.
She noted that the collaboration aligns with the county’s broader agricultural transformation agenda, which seeks to empower local farmers, enhance food security, and promote sustainable climate-smart practices.
The SMASCHS Foundation, founded and directed by Charlene Ruto, focuses on youth-led climate action and sustainable agricultural development.
The non-profit runs several initiatives, including model farms, beekeeping programs, ecosystem restoration projects, and climate education and advocacy campaigns.
Through the partnership, Homa Bay County aims to boost honey production, create jobs for youth and women, and promote pollination, which is vital for agricultural productivity and biodiversity conservation.
The agreement is part of Governor Wanga’s ongoing efforts to attract strategic partnerships that drive socio-economic transformation in Homa Bay.
Earlier this year, on July 1, Wanga signed another landmark MoU with Taloya Technology Limited of China to deliver an Integrated Development Project that includes a clean water supply to over 250,000 households, installation of 4,000 solar street lights, and the construction of a mega shopping mall and a five-star hotel to boost tourism and job creation.
“This partnership will bring clean water to over 250,000 households, install 4,000 solar street lights across our towns and markets, and deliver a Mega Shopping Mall alongside a 5-star hotel to boost trade, tourism, and job creation,” Wanga said during the signing ceremony.
The latest partnership with Charlene Ruto’s SMASCHS Foundation reinforces Homa Bay’s commitment to climate resilience, agricultural innovation, and youth empowerment, positioning the county as a leader in sustainable rural development.
