Farmers in Githunguri, Kiambu County, have been urged to embrace digital technology and artificial intelligence to improve farm productivity, manage their businesses and access new markets.
The call was made during Safaricom’s Safire Connect Forum held in Githunguri on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, bringing together farmers, agripreneurs, agricultural experts and industry partners to explore practical ways technology and financial solutions can support agricultural enterprises.
The forum focused on three areas — Grow, Protect and Connect — with participants exploring ways to improve farm yields, strengthen financial management and use digital tools to expand their businesses.
Speaking during the forum, Safaricom Chief Consumer Business Officer Fawzia Ali-Kimanthi said technology could help farmers access information, financial services and tools needed to make better decisions.
“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,” Ali-Kimanthi said.
Under the Connect pillar, farmers were introduced to digital technology and artificial intelligence applications that can support business decision-making, improve access to information and services and enhance productivity.
The discussions also highlighted digital marketing as a tool farmers and small businesses can use to reach new customers, increase visibility and create links to wider markets.
The forum further addressed the financial challenges facing agricultural enterprises, with farmers receiving guidance on income and cash-flow management, savings, responsible borrowing and digital financial services.
Participants were encouraged to separate personal and business finances to enable them to track their enterprises more effectively and make informed financial decisions.
Through the Grow pillar, agricultural experts shared information on improving yields, accessing quality farm inputs and adopting better farming practices.
Farmers also interacted with industry partners and solution providers on technologies and services that can support different stages of the agricultural value chain.
Safaricom also highlighted DigiFarm, a platform that provides farmers with access to agricultural information, inputs and financing, allowing them to access services intended to support decision-making and farm management.
Githunguri has a strong agricultural economy, with dairy farming playing a significant role in supporting household incomes. The local dairy value chain is anchored by Githunguri Dairy Farmers Cooperative Society, which produces Fresha dairy products.
Farmers in the area also engage in coffee, tea and horticulture, alongside crops such as maize, beans, potatoes and leafy vegetables.
The Safire Connect Forum forms part of Safaricom’s wider efforts to bring digital and financial solutions closer to farmers and small businesses across Kenya.
The company said the forums provide opportunities for farmers to interact directly with experts, financial service providers and other industry players while gaining practical knowledge that can help them build more productive and financially resilient enterprises.
