The government has lauded the growing participation of young people in agriculture, describing it as a key driver of Kenya’s efforts to achieve food security and spur economic growth.
Speaking during the World Food Day celebrations held in Homa Bay County on Tuesday, the Secretary of Administration in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development Rashid Khator said Kenya is witnessing a positive shift in attitudes toward farming, with more youth embracing modern and climate-smart agricultural practices.
“It has always been said that farming is for the old, but we are seeing a different story here in Homa Bay. Our role as government is to create the right environment for innovation and smart agriculture so that all Kenyans can thrive and we achieve food security,” Khator said.
He added that it was encouraging to see young people viewing farming as a viable and sustainable economic activity.
The event, themed “Hand in Hand for Better Food and a Better Future,” brought together representatives from the national and county governments, the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), and the World Food Programme (WFP), among other partners.
Khator noted that the government has made major strides in food production through initiatives such as the subsidy programme, which provides farmers with affordable seeds and fertilizers.
“We have made major progress in food production, and our intention is to ensure that farmers thrive. As we celebrate food day today, we have been given an opportunity to see what farmers on the ground are actually doing,” he added.
WFP Deputy Country Director Sune Keit emphasized the importance of collective action in achieving food security, noting that transforming food systems required joint efforts.
“Transforming food systems is not the work of one actor alone but a shared responsibility. The WFP and its partners remain steadfast in supporting Kenya’s most vulnerable people, but we cannot do it alone. We need renewed investments, stronger collaborations, and bold policy choices that put people and the planet at the centre,” he said.
The Deputy Director noted that Kenya stands at a crossroad of challenges but also opportunities but despite progress, it is still battling with malnutrition.
“One in every five children under five in Kenya is stunted, and many families still struggle to access safe, nutritious, and affordable food,” he added.
Keit urged stakeholders to move from ambition to action, noting that despite challenges, Kenya remains a land of innovation and resilience, with smallholder farmers, women, and youth pioneering new approaches to sustainable agriculture and climate adaptation.
“Through partnerships between governments, international organizations, and the private sector, we are witnessing real progress in sustainable agriculture and school feeding programmes that improve livelihoods and food security,” he added.
He called for recommitment in building a food system that is more inclusive, resilience and sustainable to ensure that every Kenyan child can grow, learn and thrive.
“Together we can turn the tide against hunger and malnutrition and secure a brighter future,” Keit said.
FAO Representative to Tanzania and interim representative in Kenya Dr. Nyabenyi Tipo reaffirmed FAO’s commitment to empowering farmers as central players in achieving national food security.
“Our centre of work is the farmers. With them, we can achieve food security in Kenya. The Lake Region Economic Bloc is blessed with immense potential, and through collaboration with partners, we can accomplish a lot,” she said.
Tipo highlighted the Tunza Project which FAO recently launched in Kisumu, targeting 13 counties within the lake region to promote climate resilience and sustainable agricultural practices.
“We have completed inception and value chain selection tailored to each agri-climatic zone. The goal is to enhance farmers’ access to inputs, markets, and digital technologies that support climate-smart agriculture and value addition,” she explained.
She also underscored FAO’s continued collaboration with county governments to build sustainable food systems across the region.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said the county government is prioritizing several key value chains, including cotton, edible oils, maize, millet, and sorghum to boost local production and industrialization.
“We are supporting our farmers with inputs for cotton, sunflower, soya, maize, millet, and sorghum. We are also finalizing our County Aggregation and Industrial Park, which will enable farmers to process their produce, add value, and improve incomes,” Wanga said.
She added that the county would soon launch an Agriculture Training School in Kabondo Kasipul to equip farmers, especially young people with skills in agribusiness, value addition, and modern farming.
By Sitna Omar
