From research to policy: Institutionalising gender-transformative agricultural extension in Nakuru County, Kenya

This report documents the Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT’s (Alliance) engagement in the development of the Nakuru County Agricultural Extension Policy, from work that preceded formal policy formulation to the policy’s consideration by the County Assembly in August 2026. The Alliance had already been working with the County Government of Nakuru, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), farmers organisations and other partners through Ukama Ustawi and Harnessing gender and social equality for resilience in agrifood systems (HER+) in Njoro, Rongai and Gilgil sub-counties. That work tested how gender transformative socio-technical innovation bundles address issues on empowerment, resilience and food security. Through a reflection meeting on understanding the processes of codesigning, implementing diverse innovations through different approaches, and sharing results and challenges with extension officers, KALRO, and farmers, some critical questions were raised: how could innovations developed through projects continue, scale, and become part of routine county extension? The Alliance of Bioversity International and CIAT’s engagement in developing the Nakuru County Agricultural Extension Policy illustrates how sustained research partnerships can help embed gender-transformative innovations within county
institutions. This report traces that engagement from field-based collaboration beginning in 2022 through policy formulation, stakeholder consultation,
executive sensitisation, Cabinet approval and tabling before the County Assembly in August 2026. It examines the Alliance’s technical, institutional and
financial contributions within a process led by the County Government of Nakuru. The foundation was established through Ukama Ustawi and the Harnessing Gender and Social Equality for Resilience in Agrifood Systems initiative, working with county extension personnel, KALRO, farmers and partners in Njoro, Rongai and Gilgil sub-counties. These collaborations co-designed and tested climate-resilient agricultural practices, Gender-Transformative Socio-Technical Innovation Bundles (GTSTIBs) and Gender-Transformative Nutrition Training (GTNT). Experience demonstrated that technology adoption and equitable benefits depend on access to resources, household decision-making, social norms, nutrition practices and responsive advisory services. Subsequent learning and scaling discussions identified county extension, coordination, planning, and policy as essential pathways to sustain these approaches beyond project sites.The Alliance entered the formal policy process at the stakeholder meeting on 30 October 2025, joined the Technical Working Group and subsequently coordinated its cross-cutting thematic area. It contributed perspectives on gender equality, social inclusion, climate resilience, nutrition, food safety and differentiated farmer needs. Engagement continued through drafting, technical review, public participation, stakeholder validation, Cabinet sensitisation and County Assembly Agriculture Committee sensitisation. Financial contributions supported selected drafting and sensitisation activities, complementing wider partner support.The draft policy provides an institutional pathway for mainstreaming gender-transformative approaches and scaling GTSTIBs and GTNT through routine extension. Its provisions also support farmer participation in research, adaptive trials and structured feedback. The Reach, Benefit, Empower, and Transform framework provides a basis for assessing whether participation in extension translates into tangible benefits, stronger agency, and changes in restrictive norms and institutional practices. Review discussions highlighted the practical conditions needed to fulfil these commitments: adequate staffing, professional development, transport, accessible facilities, predictable financing and stronger knowledge systems. Stakeholders called for clearer coordination of public and nonstate providers, inclusive digital and face-to-face services, and disaggregated monitoring. They also raised ecological-zone priorities, urban agriculture and interdepartmental cooperation. The report distinguishes these proposals and expressions of political support from verified policy amendments, approved budgets and completed actions. Cabinet approved the policy on 7 August 2026, and it was tabled before the County Assembly on 10 August. Possible launch slotted for this year. The next phase will determine whether policy recognition becomes sustained practice. The Alliance intends to support the Implementation, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning Framework and county extension stakeholder mapping. These instruments offer an opportunity to connect commitments with responsibilities, resources, measurable outcomes and adaptive learning, strengthening accountability for more inclusive services and equitable benefits for farmers across Nakuru County