ABSTRACT
The northern and north-eastern region occupies two-thirds of the country and is a barren semi-desert land. Kenya’s agricultural development is concentrated in only one-third of the country. Development strategy in Kenya has shifted markedly since 1984 from a centralized focus, with planning and implementation of development activities directed from national offices, to a more decentralized system where most of the work is done at the district level. Kenya has several parastatal organizations which are responsible for agricultural production and employ their own extension workers. Although it is traditional for the banks in the country not to engage directly in farming activities, the emphasis on rural development through the district focus is making it necessary for banks to develop a rural outlook. When it undergoes strategic, philosophical and management changes such as through the implementation of both the 'District Focus for Rural Development' and the T&V approach, caution must be taken not to expect spectacular changes too soon.
