210 Kenyan youth are set to fly to Israel anytime this week following a deal reached by the two governments.
While commissioning their departure during a send-off ceremony at State House on Tuesday, First Lady Rachel Ruto pointed out that the students are set to undergo an 11-month training under the Mashav Agricultural Training Program.
The First Lady praised the 54-year program, noting its role in facilitating the exchange of Kenyan trainees in key fields like security, medicine, and agriculture.
Notably, the 2023 Mashav Agricultural Training Program is a product of the strong relationship between these two nations.
“The knowledge you will gain in Israel is not meant to be confined to you. I hope you will return to Kenya equipped with new skills, fresh perspectives and a burning desire to contribute to the betterment of our nation and the world at large,” she stated.
Speaking during the event, Drova Dorsman Yarkoni, the Deputy Head of Mission of Israel in Kenya, hailed the Middle Eastern country's dedication towards ensuring that the trainees are successful in the Kenyan Agriculture sector.
"The goal is to give these young, educated, and skilled individuals a chance to become successful agri-preneurs by providing innovative solutions on food production and food security in Kenya," he revealed.
Established in 1963, the Mashav International Agricultural Training Center prides itself in building human capacity and transferring knowledge for the betterment of the agricultural, water management, environment and rural development sectors.
In May, President William Ruto embarked on a tour of Israel, a country in the middle of the desert but with excellent agricultural practices.
The Head of State, who went on the tour upon invitation from its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, toured agricultural projects and held high level discussions with its officials.
"Israel’s modern farming technology will sustainably drive this hugely transformational agenda. Met the President of Israel Isaac Herzog at his Residence in Jerusalem; agreed to expand our cooperation in trade, agriculture, security and technology," Ruto announced at the time.
Kenya, on the other hand, has been grappling with severe drought, the worst in four decades that left over five million people staring at starvation.
The most affected regions, Northern Kenya and parts of Eastern Kenya, have proposed various interventions geared at achieving food security.
