The Government of Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming the agriculture sector through innovation, technology, and strategic investments aimed at increasing farmers’ incomes and strengthening national food security.
Speaking during the official opening of the 12th Agritec Africa International Exhibition and Conference that was held alongside the 11th Dairy Livestock & Poultry Expo Africa and the 7th GrainTech Africa Expo at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the future of agriculture depends on ensuring that technological advancements translate into improved livelihoods for farmers.
The three-day event attracted more than 150 exhibitors from over 25 countries, including investors, researchers, agribusiness leaders, development partners, and farmers, who showcased emerging technologies and discussed innovative solutions for the agricultural sector.
“The true measure of success in agriculture is not merely the volume harvested, but the income earned by farmers and the quality of life enjoyed by farming households,” Kagwe said.
He noted that the government is accelerating digitisation of agriculture through the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management Information System (KIAMIS), which has so far registered over 7.5 million farmers.
The platform, he said, has improved traceability of farmers and agricultural products while enabling more efficient planning, targeting, and delivery of agricultural services.
Kagwe further revealed that more than two million farmers have already benefited from the digital e-voucher subsidy programme, which allows access to affordable and quality farm inputs including fertiliser, certified seeds, and livestock vaccines.
He said the government has also strengthened agricultural research and innovation through institutions such as the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), universities, and international research centres, which continue to play a key role in developing climate-smart and high-yield technologies.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, investments in irrigation infrastructure, support for key value chains such as maize, tea, coffee, and dairy, and efforts to expand access to international markets are central to the ongoing transformation of the agricultural sector.
He emphasised that agriculture remains a key pillar of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which recognises smallholder farmers as critical drivers of economic growth, employment creation, and rural development.
Kagwe called on stakeholders to accelerate adoption of modern technologies, including precision agriculture tools, mechanisation, and digital platforms, noting that such innovations would make farming more attractive to young people.
He encouraged tractor manufacturers and agricultural machinery investors to consider establishing assembly plants in Kenya, pledging government support through favourable tax policies, including zero-rating agricultural machinery and equipment imports to reduce the cost of mechanisation.
The Cabinet Secretary also urged stronger collaboration between Kenyan and international investors to unlock opportunities across the agricultural value chain.
He challenged the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) to expand affordable financing options for young people venturing into agribusiness, noting that access to credit remains a major barrier to entry in the sector.
Kagwe identified agro-processing, value addition, aquaculture, the blue economy, youth-led agribusiness enterprises, and expanded trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as key growth areas that could create jobs, increase exports, and boost rural incomes.
He further called for enhanced collaboration among government agencies, private sector players, research institutions, development partners, and county governments to ensure that agricultural innovations are accessible, affordable, and impactful for farmers across the country.
Kagwe described Agritec Africa, Dairy Livestock & Poultry Expo Africa, and GrainTech Africa as strategic platforms that bring together stakeholders to foster partnerships, attract investment, and shape the future of agriculture in Africa.
He reaffirmed that the government remains committed to building a resilient, modern, and technology-driven agricultural sector capable of ensuring food security and improving livelihoods nationwide.
by Ruth Selwe and Joseph Kamolo
