Kenya has welcomed agricultural journalists from across the world to Nairobi for the landmark International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) World Congress 2025, marking the first time the global event is being hosted in Eastern Africa and second time on the African continent since 1952.
The four-day congress from October 14-18 themed: Unlocking the Agricultural Potential in the Cradle of Mankind, brings together over 250 agricultural journalists, communicators, scientists and policymakers from around the globe.
It aims to strengthen global collaboration in agricultural communication, promote innovation and showcase Kenya’s leadership in sustainable farming and agri-tech development.
In his opening remarks, Agriculture and Livestock Development CS, Mutahi Kagwe said, “This Congress is historic, being the first of its kind in Eastern Africa. It affirms Kenya’s place as a leader in agricultural transformation, home to world-renowned tea and coffee, vibrant horticultural enterprises, resilient smallholder farmers and a growing ecosystem of agri-tech innovations.”
Kenya is not only a hub of innovation and agribusiness leadership, but also a land of resilience, rich diversity and inspiration, he added.
Kagwe noted that agriculture remains the backbone of the country’ss economy, contributing to over 21 percent of the GDP and providing livelihoods to millions of Kenyans.
He said agriculture drives our industrial growth, creates jobs and remains central to the Kenya Kwanza’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), adding, “Our commitment to food security, nutrition and inclusive growth continues to guide the Ministry’s agenda.”
IFAJ president Steve Werblow commended Kenya for hosting the event and lauded the country’s progress in agricultural research, innovation and communication.
“We are here in the cradle of humankind, where our ancestors took their first upright steps and learned to use tools. Thanks to the work of our hosts, Media for Environment, Science and Agriculture (MESHA), we will meet government officials, NGO visionaries and world-class researchers,” said Werblow.
“When we say IFAJ is the only global organization dedicated to agricultural journalism, there’s no better illustration than coming together in Nairobi to learn, network, and share stories that impact food systems worldwide,” he added.
Nairobi’s selection to host the event underscores Kenya’s reputation as a regional hub for agricultural research and innovation, hosting global institutions such as the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).
“Agriculture is the heartbeat of Africa’s transformation and as we welcome the world to Nairobi for the IFAJ World Congress of Agricultural Journalists, we are showcasing how Kenyan farmers, scientist and story tellers are reimaging food security and sustainability for generations to come,” said Dr. Kiprono Ronoh, Principal Secretary, State Department for Agriculture.
“Livestock is more than and economic sector in Kenya, it’s a way for life for millions. Hosting this congress gives us a platform to share how innovation, tradition and resilience in pastoralism and livestock farming are sharping, not juts Kenya, but Africa’s contribution to global food systems,” said Jonathan Mueke, Principal Secretary, State Department for livestock Development.
The 2025 IFAJ Congress also coincides with the 20th anniversary of MESHA, Kenya’s leading organization for science and agricultural journalism.
“Your presence here reflects a shared commitment to strengthen the bonds that unite our profession across nations and cultures.
Journalists are key in giving voice to farmers, highlighting innovation and connecting rural realities to global audiences,” said MESHA Chairperson Bozo Jeje.
MESHA secretary, Aghan Daniel, added that the congress is a testament to the progress Africa has made in science communication.
“Through your stories, you highlight solutions, inspire change and remind the world that Africa is a continent of resilience, innovation and possibility,” he said.
During their period of stay, delegates will participate in field visits to key agricultural regions including tea and coffee plantations, floriculture farms, aquaculture projects and insect protein enterprises.
They will also explore innovations in drought-smart livestock systems and community-driven agribusiness models, while plenary sessions will focus on sustainable pest management, climate change adaptation, gender equity, the future of seeds, and the role of data and AI in agriculture.
The congress is expected to position Kenya as a thought leader in sustainable agriculture and communication, while opening new opportunities for investment and knowledge exchange in the sector. Thought leadership is when an individual or organization becomes a recognized authority in a specific field by providing innovative ideas, fresh insights, and unique viewpoints to inspire and influence others.
Meanwhile, hosting the World Congress 2025 shows that Kenya’s agricultural story is not only about resilience, but also about innovation and global collaboration.
