Kenya is set to modernize its agricultural education and training systems as part of a broader effort to boost productivity and attract youth to the sector. The government aims to overhaul infrastructure across the Kenya School of Agriculture’s (KSA) 10 campuses, incorporating modern technologies such as drones, artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics.
These upgrades are designed to ensure agricultural training keeps pace with global technological advancements and meets the changing needs of the labor market. As part of this transformation, the Ministry of Agriculture is conducting a comprehensive market needs assessment. The goal is to align curricula with current and future trends in agriculture and to create a workforce equipped with the skills needed in today’s digitally driven agricultural landscape.
The Kenya School of Agriculture is also collaborating with international agricultural training institutions to offer short-term, certified courses aimed at enhancing technical skills and global competitiveness. These initiatives are intended to make agricultural education more relevant and appealing to young people, many of whom have traditionally viewed farming as outdated or unprofitable.
The push for modernization comes amid increasing concerns about climate change, environmental degradation, and declining youth engagement in agriculture. Integrating innovative technologies into education is seen as a strategic way to tackle these challenges while ensuring food security and economic growth.
Technology is not only being integrated into education but also into agricultural practices. For instance, precision irrigation, the use of solar energy, sea freight for exports, and adherence to fair labor policies are some of the climate-conscious strategies being adopted in Kenya’s floriculture sector. These efforts help minimize the industry’s carbon footprint while improving efficiency and sustainability.
To further support farmers and agripreneurs, the government is leveraging mobile platforms to distribute agricultural information. This approach ensures that even farmers in remote areas can access critical data on weather, pests, and market trends. Additionally, partnerships with county governments are helping to roll out localized agripreneurship training programs that promote self-employment and innovation in rural communities.
However, several challenges continue to face the agricultural sector. These include high air-freight costs, illegal levies, and complex export regulations. Addressing these barriers is crucial to enhancing the competitiveness of Kenya’s agricultural exports in global markets.
One step in this direction is the implementation of the False Codling Moth Systems Approach (FCMSA), a regulatory framework that has been approved by the European Commission. This system supports compliance with European Union requirements for rose imports, helping to safeguard one of Kenya’s key horticultural exports.
In addition to regulatory measures, Kenya is also expanding its international trade ties. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed with the United Arab Emirates in early 2025 includes provisions for cooperation in agriculture, ICT, and vocational training. This partnership is expected to open new markets and facilitate knowledge exchange between the two countries.
These initiatives were highlighted during the International Floriculture Trade Expo (IFTEX) 2025, a major event bringing together exhibitors and buyers from around the world. The expo serves as a platform to showcase Kenya’s agricultural innovations, promote exports, and foster partnerships that will drive the sector’s future growth.
