Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has outlined the government’s ambitious plans to increase agriculture’s contribution to Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to Sh3.9 trillion by 2029, aiming for an annual growth rate of six percent. This goal is expected to be driven by high-impact value chains in dairy, horticulture, rice, and grains, with smallholder farmers playing a central role in the transformation.
Mudavadi emphasized that this agricultural growth would be supported by key interventions including input financing, digital platforms, agribusiness training, and infrastructure investments. He also highlighted the importance of raising the average income of 3.3 million small-scale producers by at least 35 percent, which he said would help lift communities out of poverty and build resilience against climate shocks.
At the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) in Nairobi, Mudavadi acknowledged the critical challenge posed by climate change to Kenya’s agricultural sector. He noted that climate-related risks such as prolonged droughts, unpredictable rainfall, floods, and soil degradation could undermine the achievement of the country’s agricultural goals. To mitigate these risks, the government has integrated climate change strategies into its agricultural plans, which include ambitious targets outlined in the National Climate Change Action Plan and the Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Implementation Framework.
Mudavadi mentioned that one of the key climate-related targets is to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 32 percent and to increase national tree cover to over 10 percent. Additionally, the government is focused on restoring degraded lands and promoting climate-smart agriculture practices across the country. These efforts aim to ensure that the agriculture sector remains resilient in the face of climate challenges.
The government is also investing in areas such as soil health, agroforestry, renewable energy, efficient rice production, and sustainable land management practices. Mudavadi noted that achieving these goals would require greater collaboration with institutions like ILRI and CGIAR, especially in the areas of data sharing, technology development, financing, and capacity building. He called for increased engagement with youth, encouraging them to explore climate-smart agribusiness opportunities and to contribute to the development of climate-resilient technologies and decision-making tools.
Addressing the systemic challenges that hamper the growth potential of Kenya’s agricultural sector, Mudavadi highlighted issues like high post-harvest losses, inadequate market linkages, poor rural infrastructure, and limited access to affordable financing. The government is working to address these challenges, which will be key to unlocking the sector’s full potential.
Mudavadi also praised ILRI’s partnership with the Kenyan government, recognizing its role in advancing agricultural innovation. He acknowledged that ILRI has become a world-class science hub that contributes significantly to global knowledge in areas such as livestock genetics, vaccine development, land restoration, climate adaptation, and food systems innovation. These contributions are vital for supporting food security and sustainable agricultural practices in Kenya and beyond.
Through this continued partnership with ILRI and other CGIAR institutions, the Kenyan government aims to drive transformative change in the agricultural sector, ultimately fostering a food-secure future for both Kenya and the broader global community.
