The Central Bank of Kenya's decision to lower the Central Bank Rate from 10.5% to 9.75% at a time when they are predicting a 5.2% GDP growth in 2025 seems, to be honest, a bit of a plot twist. All of a sudden, everyone is hopeful. The shilling is holding up, tourists are returning, Kenyans in the diaspora are sending money home, and inflation is down to 3.8%. Things appear to be a little better than they were the previous year.

The CBK believes it can ease without causing price chaos because inflation is slowing down. Additionally, the Fed and the ECB, two major players, are tapping the curbs on rate increases, so this action is covered globally.

 Bonds and stocks typically receive a boost when interest rates decline. Anyone holding government bonds is smiling because bond yields are likely to decline, which means prices will rise.

Businesses may borrow and grow if loans are more affordable, but banks? Don't be surprised if they start charging for things like insurance or mobile banking fees to make up the difference because their margins are going to be squeezed.

The true beneficiaries are borrowers, particularly MSMEs and those looking for a mortgage. There will be more affordable loans available, but don't count on banks to go crazy overnight. They'll most likely start scrutinizing every loan application because they're concerned about non-payment. If your company is drowning in costly, short-term debt, now's is the time to discuss refinancing with your banker.

That growth goal of 5.2%? Not a complete fantasy, but ambitious. In fact, agriculture is making a comeback, infrastructure is gaining more traction, and people in the private sector are becoming a little more courageous. Let's not fool ourselves, though. Reducing rates does not automatically increase output. We risk creating a credit bubble if everyone only takes out loans to buy cars rather than building factories. Therefore, policymakers must continue to monitor manufacturing, jobs, and exports. Not just quick cash.

In summary, CBK is being both audacious and astute here. It's probably time for businesses to hustle, banks to get creative, and investors to start looking for deals. However, keep in mind that there is no such thing as a free lunch. Maintaining discipline is the true test. Don't spend all of it on short-term gains and neglect the fundamentals: responsible lending, fiscal sanity, and ensuring that the money reaches the people who will need it most. While lower rates are nice, what matters most will be what we do next.

The county boss was speaking at his office when he flagged off 21 motorbikes to agricultural extension officers. "The addition of the 21 motorcycles will improve coverage and farmers' outreach. This will make a total of 99 motorcycles", said the second term Wiper governor.

Dr Malombe outlined his administration's commitment to economic resilience of Kitui farmers. Of note is that the county is drought-prone and vulnerable to climate shocks.

Dr Malombe added that the rollout of the motorbikes initiative marks collaboration efforts between President William Ruto-led national government and the county under the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project. NAVCDP aims to equip smallholder farmers by giving them support for better yields.

"Since the national government is spearheading the construction of the modern stadium, we have found it ideal to push out Agricultural Show from this July 2025 to February 2026 to pave way for the important project", said the county minister.

The Dr Julius Malombe-led government failed to identify an alternative venue for the Agricultural Show which traditionally takes place in July leading to its postponement. "An event of this magnitude requires so many things. There should be adequate security, a secure gate, perimeter fence and a wall, amenity facilities, demonstration farms and livestock lines and many others", explained CEC Kimwele.

However, show lovers have been assured that going forward, the Kitui Agricultural Show and Trade Fair will be held in February every year at the refurbished grounds.

"Under Governor Dr. Julius Malombe's leadership, agriculture is being treated as a value chain and a commercial engine focused on resilience, productivity and regional collaboration with other players,"said Kivoto. The chief officer spoke on Friday when she represented the CEC for agriculture  Stephen Kimwele as the chief guest during the Eastern Africa Grain Council, Lower Eastern Region Agribusiness Expo, held at the South Eastern Kenya University in Kitui county. The Expo attracted over 1,000 farmers from Kitui, Makueni, and Machakos counties with more than 30 exhibitors showcasing innovative, climate-smart solutions aimed at transforming the grain sector.

The event served as a platform for knowledge exchange, innovation showcasing and forging partnerships aimed at future-proofing agriculture in the face of climate change and development pressure.

Kivoto reaffirmed Kitui County’s commitment to accomplishing an  inclusive, climate-resilient, and market-oriented agricultural transformation agenda in partnership with regional and national actors.

To that end, Kivoto said in collaboration withstakeholders, Malombe's administration was setting up  the  county aggregation and industrial park.

She said  the humongous facility would provide cold storage facilities, reduce post-harvest losses, and enhance value addition while protecting farmers from exploitation by middle men and brokers.

Kivoto added that not only were farmers exposed affordable irrigation technologies such as drip kits and solar-powered pumps but numerous dams were being done or rehabilitated to assure access to water.

The chief officer added that the youth were encouraged  to engage in agribusiness ventures.

Kivoto further pointed out that veterinary services had been enhanced through mobile units, vaccination drives, and improved livestock breeding programs.

The  EAGC Executive Director, Mr. Gerald Masila,  applauded the county  government for embracing innovation in agribusiness. He emphasized the need  for market links in support of  smallholder farmers.

A land use planning specialist,  Roseline Musyoka, urged counties to adopt comprehensive land use plans that strike a balance between residential development, agriculture, agroforestry, and other economic activities.