The adoption of modern technology and stronger market linkages will be critical in transforming Kenya’s agricultural sector, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has said, as the government and development partners seek to equip farmers with skills and tools to increase productivity, reduce losses and improve incomes.
Mudavadi spoke on Friday at Kaimosi Agricultural Training Centre in Nandi County during a field day where a new Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)-backed agricultural curriculum was launched to promote technological innovation, climate-smart farming and agribusiness among smallholder farmers and young people.
The event brought together Mudavadi, Head of Public Service Felix Koskei, Nandi Governor Stephen Sang, agricultural experts, development partners, farmers and other stakeholders.
Mudavadi said Kenya’s future food security and economic prosperity depended on the country’s ability to harness technology and knowledge for the benefit of farmers.
He said the new curriculum went beyond conventional agricultural training by providing farmers with practical skills in precision agriculture, climate-smart production, post-harvest management, market access and agribusiness.
“The future of agriculture depends on our ability to embrace technology and knowledge and put them in the hands of farmers,” Mudavadi said.
He said the programme would help smallholder producers make informed decisions, improve resource utilisation and become more competitive in local and international markets.
The curriculum, developed through collaboration between FAO, local universities and industry partners, covers emerging agricultural technologies and business practices aimed at improving productivity and strengthening farmers’ resilience to climate change.
Among the technologies being promoted are drones for crop monitoring and soil health assessment, as well as drip irrigation systems designed to conserve water. The irrigation technology can reduce water use by up to 40 per cent, according to the programme organisers.
A live demonstration of drone-based soil health assessment was among the highlights of the field day. The technology uses multispectral data to help farmers determine where fertiliser should be applied and how irrigation can be managed more efficiently.
The curriculum also includes training on post-harvest handling, with farmers taught improved storage, grading and packaging methods to reduce food losses and improve the quality and value of agricultural produce.
Agribusiness training will equip farmers and emerging entrepreneurs with skills in developing supply chains, negotiating contracts, accessing finance and identifying profitable markets.
Mudavadi said market linkages were a central component of the programme, with cooperatives and private companies being brought on board to strengthen supply chains and provide farmers with reliable market information.
“By reducing transaction costs and improving market information, we aim to increase farmers’ profit margins and stabilise food prices,” he said.
Governor Sang said Nandi County had historically played an important role in Kenya’s agricultural production and that the new curriculum would strengthen farmers’ capacity to compete in an increasingly demanding market.
He urged communities to embrace technological change, saying improved farming methods would open new income opportunities while reducing post-harvest losses.
Sang said young people should be encouraged to view agriculture as a viable business rather than merely a traditional livelihood.
“Our young people are the future of agriculture,” he said, adding that the programme would give them the confidence and skills needed to become farmers, entrepreneurs and innovators.
The training centre will host a Youth Farming Initiative offering mentorship, microloans and entrepreneurship workshops to help young people establish and expand agricultural enterprises.
Sang also proposed that Kaimosi Agricultural Training Centre be transformed into an agricultural innovation hub equipped with modern facilities for training, research and technology demonstration.
Koskei said strong governance and support systems would be necessary to ensure the new curriculum translates into tangible benefits for farmers.
“We are committed to providing the necessary support structures, extension services, regulatory frameworks and data systems to make this curriculum a reality on the ground,” he said.
He added that the public service would monitor implementation, identify bottlenecks and ensure interventions reached farmers, particularly those in vulnerable communities.
The field day also provided an opportunity for non-governmental organisations and community groups to showcase initiatives supporting agricultural transformation.
The Nandi Agricultural Development Association presented projects focused on improving post-harvest handling among women and promoting climate-resilient crop varieties to reduce losses during dry spells.
Stakeholders also discussed challenges facing farmers, including climate change, water scarcity and unstable markets.
Mudavadi said the challenges should encourage innovation and adoption of technologies capable of helping farmers adapt to changing climatic conditions.
“The climate crisis demands that we rethink how we farm. Our new curriculum equips farmers with the resilience they need to adapt and thrive,” he said.
By Sammy Mwibanda
