County governments have been urged to turn agriculture into a vibrant, youth-driven agribusiness sector and harness its untapped economic potential.
Speaking at the 2025 Devolution Conference in Homa Bay County, the call stressed the need to expand the agricultural value chain as a way of attracting young people to the industry. It was noted that agriculture remains the backbone of Kenya’s economy, contributing about 33 per cent to the national GDP, yet many young people still do not believe it can be a profitable career path.
A change in mindset was identified as a crucial step in making agriculture appealing to the youth. Instead of viewing it as a labor-intensive and outdated occupation, young people were encouraged to see farming as a modern, profitable venture with the potential for self-employment and job creation.
To achieve this, counties were urged to give young people a voice in agricultural forums and ensure they have access to finance, training, and markets for their products. Access to these resources would enable them to innovate, improve productivity, and compete effectively in the sector.
In one example, a youth agribusiness programme has been rolled out targeting “agri-preneurs” in all wards of a county. Each ward has seven trained and supported young individuals engaged in various agricultural enterprises, totaling 280 across the county. The initiative provides financing, capacity building, and mentorship to equip young people with skills and business acumen, encouraging small-scale agriculture where they can be actively involved.
By integrating youth into the agricultural value chain from production and processing to marketing counties can create opportunities that not only ensure food security but also drive economic growth. Such strategies would position agriculture as a competitive sector capable of attracting and retaining young talent.
The call comes amid growing recognition that agriculture can serve as a strategic driver of development under devolution. The Devolution Conference 2025 provided a platform for counties, state agencies, and non-state actors to share experiences, best practices, and innovations. Delegates also engaged in networking sessions aimed at generating policy recommendations that will shape the next phase of devolved governance.
The overall message was clear: with the right support systems, mindset shift, and value chain development, agriculture can become a dynamic sector where young people lead the way in creating wealth, ensuring food security, and contributing to Kenya’s long-term economic stability.
