The Kenyan Government has intensified its agricultural transformation drive under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), with a strong focus on food security, farmer empowerment, and digital innovation. This commitment was reaffirmed by Principal Secretary for Agriculture Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh during the 28th Graduation Ceremony at Bukura Agricultural College.
Dr. Ronoh highlighted that agriculture remains central to Kenya’s economy, contributing 22.5% to GDP in 2024, up from 21.5% in 2023. Earnings from marketed production also rose by 7.2% to Ksh 690 billion, a growth attributed to strategic reforms, including subsidized input programs and the promotion of climate-smart technologies.
One of the key achievements is the Digital Fertilizer Subsidy Program, which has slashed fertilizer prices by 67% from Ksh 7,500 in 2022 to Ksh 2,500 in 2025. This initiative, powered by the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System (KIAMIS), has registered over 6.8 million farmers. It ensures targeted subsidies, promotes accountability, and enhances real-time agricultural monitoring.
Thanks to favourable weather and improved access to certified inputs, maize production soared to 44.7 million bags in 2024 a 30.4% increase from 2022 cutting maize imports by 67%. Post-harvest losses are also being addressed through the distribution of 100 high-volume grain driers to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and farmer cooperatives.
The Government has also strengthened key value chains. Tea production grew to 598 million kg, generating Ksh 181.69 billion in exports, while sugarcane output surged by 45%, spurred by the enactment of the Sugar Act 2024 and new high-sucrose varieties.
Efforts to engage youth in agriculture are underway through a revitalized 4-K Club Program, while pest management has been improved through rapid-response systems and anti-aflatoxin technologies.
Dr. Ronoh reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to creating a resilient and inclusive agricultural sector. “We will continue to create an enabling environment for agriculture to thrive and collaborate closely with stakeholders to address sectoral challenges,” he said.
