Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to rural transformation, regional cooperation, and sustainable development as it hosted the inaugural session of the 79th Executive Committee Meeting of the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) in Nairobi.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe noted that Kenya’s partnership with AARDO has played a key role in strengthening institutional capacity, improving human resource development, and supporting knowledge exchange in critical sectors such as agriculture, rural livelihoods, and sustainable resource management.
He acknowledged AARDO’s support through professional training programmes, workshops, and collaborative initiatives that have helped shape Kenya’s development strategies and exposed local professionals to best practices from across Africa and Asia.
In a speech read on his behalf by Agriculture Secretary Peter Owoko, Kagwe emphasized that rural communities across both continents continue to face mounting challenges, including food insecurity, climate change, unemployment, limited healthcare access, and technological disparities.
However, he said these challenges also present opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and shared growth among member states.
“AARDO provides an invaluable platform for harnessing the collective strength of its member countries,” he said, adding that the diversity of experiences and technological advancements within the organization creates strong opportunities for mutual learning and prosperity.
The Cabinet Secretary highlighted Kenya’s strategic position as a gateway to East and Central Africa, citing investor-friendly policies, economic reforms, and opportunities in agriculture, agro-processing, renewable energy, manufacturing, ICT, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure development.
Kagwe said that Kenya’s agricultural transformation agenda focuses on increasing smallholder incomes, strengthening food security, climate-smart agriculture and digital extension services.
“Agriculture remains central to Kenya’s economy and livelihoods,” he said. “The government has prioritised increasing smallholder incomes, enhancing productivity and ensuring food security for all households.”
He added that Kenya had benefited significantly from AARDO programmes, with 183 Kenyans participating in AARDO-sponsored training programmes between 2015 and 2025, while 10 Kenyan officials received long-term postgraduate scholarships in agriculture and related fields.
AARDO Secretary General Dr. Manoj Nardeosingh said the world was facing unprecedented socio-economic and environmental challenges that continue to affect rural communities, especially in Africa and Asia.
“We are gathered here today when the global development landscape is undergoing profound and unprecedented transformation,” said Dr. Nardeosingh. “Escalating input costs, climate change and economic pressures continue to strain livelihoods, particularly in rural areas.”
He noted that many Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) remain off track and called for accelerated implementation of regional and international development frameworks, including Africa’s Agenda and the Kampala Declaration.
Despite the challenges, Dr. Nardeosingh said AARDO had continued expanding its human resource development programmes, technology transfer initiatives and strategic partnerships aimed at empowering rural populations.
“AARDO is now a vibrant hub for knowledge and technology transfer aimed at improving the lives of millions of rural people,” he said.
The Secretary General commended Kenya for hosting the meeting and praised the country’s commitment to agricultural transformation and rural development.
“Kenya’s enduring commitment to agriculture and rural development stands as a compelling example of how strategic vision, policy coherence and sustained investment can drive inclusive growth and rural prosperity,” he said.
India, which currently chairs the AARDO Executive Committee, reaffirmed its continued support for the organisation through financial assistance, scholarships and capacity-building programmes.
India’s Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development, Rohit Kansal, said India remained committed to strengthening cooperation among member countries through knowledge sharing and institutional support.
“India, as a founding member of AARDO and a steadfast proponent of South-South cooperation, remains committed to the principles and objectives of this esteemed organization,” said Kansal.
He announced that India had increased its contribution to AARDO’s Human Resource Development Programme by USD 750,000 for the period 2025–2027 to support training, workshops, scholarships and study visits for member states.
Kansal disclosed that the Government of India had committed an additional USD 500,000 towards renovation of the AARDO Secretariat to enhance its operational capacity.
“The upgraded facility will provide a modern, efficient and collaborative working environment symbolising our shared commitment to institutional excellence,” he said.
According to Kansal, a total of 1,843 participants and experts benefited from AARDO human resource programmes conducted both online and physically during the review period.
He further challenged member countries to embrace emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve agricultural productivity, market access and public service delivery.
by Sallo Gobana and Paskal Osonga
