The Ministry of Agriculture has applauded two outstanding young innovators who will represent Kenya at the prestigious World Food Prize Global Youth Institute, to be held in the United States from October 21-23, 2025.
The two students Blessed Kyalo, 15 and Jael Achieng’, 18, will be Kenya’s duo representatives at the Global forum, which brings together young leaders from around the world to share innovative ideas on food security, agricultural technology, and sustainable solutions.
Kyalo, a grade 9 student from AIC Tangu Junior Secondary School in Makueni and Achieng, a form 2 student from Loresho Secondary School in Nairobi, wrote award-winning essays on enhancing food security through water harvesting and cover crops and combating malnutrition in post-conflict society, respectively.
Speaking on Thursday at Kilimo house, Nairobi, State Department for Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr Kipronoh Ronoh praised the students for emerging as the national winners in an exceptionally competitive and rigorous selection process.
“I want to congratulate you for being the national winners in the World Food Prize competition, an achievement that is rare and not easily attained. Your creativity, innovation, and resilience have set you apart,” said PS Ronoh.
The PS also thanked the teachers, parents, and the team from Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) for guiding and supporting these young minds throughout the journey
Ronoh emphasised the importance of nurturing talent from an early age, highlighting the Government’s efforts to reintroduce the 4K Clubs and integrate agricultural innovation into Kenya’s Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC).
“We believe in equipping young people with knowledge and practical skills in agriculture from an early stage,” he said, adding that by exposing students to opportunities such as the World Food Prize, we are building a generation that will lead in food and nutrition security.
The Ministry reaffirmed its full support for the students as they prepare for the competition, expressing confidence that they will make Kenya and Africa proud.
“These two young innovators are proof that Kenya’s youth can compete and win on the global stage,” he added.
The PS also commended The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation for its role in conducting the national vetting process and the World Food Prize Foundation for facilitating the programme.
The PS also noted that the opening of a State-of-the-Art Agricultural Innovation Hub at the University of Nairobi, a facility designed to empower youth, promote research, and strengthen the link between academia and the agriculture sector, will boost the government’s efforts to encourage young innovators and youth in matters of food security.
“We are ready to support you, and we believe you will emerge champions. Kenya has consistently led in such competitions, and I have no doubt you will carry that tradition forward,” he said.
By Anita Omwenga
