Kenya is set to become the first African country to finalize a global framework that will drive greener, dignified employment opportunities while modernizing its agriculture sector. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced the initiative at Kilimo House on Wednesday, highlighting its potential to transform farmer incomes and attract youth to tech-driven agricultural careers.
At the core of this transformation is the Kenya Agriculture Data and Information Centre (KADIC), which will consolidate all agricultural digitization efforts. KADIC will also integrate the Agriculture Information and Resource Centre (AIRC), reducing duplication and linking farmers to counties, cooperatives, and markets.
“Digital agriculture is central to transforming farmer incomes and attracting youth into a modern, tech-driven sector,” CS Kagwe stated. The initiative will prioritize farmers, cooperatives, youth, and agri-preneurs, ensuring they benefit from timely insights on weather, pricing, inputs, and market trends.
KADIC Director Betty revealed that the Centre will spearhead the rollout of the Digital Agriculture Roadmap (DAR) next year, while Juma Salim, KADIC’s Director of Digital, emphasized that integrating data from the ministry’s 31 parastatals will strengthen farmer support systems.
The JobsConnect Compact aims to deliver 5.3 million new and improved jobs by 2030. The framework also targets a reduction of 10 million food-insecure populations, a cut of Ksh389 billion in food imports, and an increase in agricultural export earnings by over Ksh648 billion (USD 5 billion).
CS Kagwe noted that the Ministry is undergoing a significant human resource transition, with 30% of departmental heads set to retire and more than half of the agricultural workforce leaving within the next two years. JobsConnect provides a historic opportunity to rebuild talent through Agri-Connect programs and agri-preneur training, ensuring Kenya’s agriculture sector remains resilient and innovative.
By harnessing digital tools and data-driven solutions, Kenya aims to make agriculture a lucrative and modern sector, creating millions of jobs and positioning the country as a leader in Africa’s agricultural transformation.
