An individual enjoying a meal| Photo Courtesy|
Agricultural experts are calling for long-term solutions to enhance food security in Kenya, emphasizing the need for better market structures, policy reforms, and sustainable farming practices.
Speaking at a recent forum, Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, the Principal Secretary in the State Department of Agriculture, highlighted the government’s commitment to reducing food imports, increasing production, and improving market access.
“Kenya’s Agricultural Plan focuses on reducing imports, boosting exports, and increasing production,” he said.
Dr. Ronoh noted that the BETA plan in agriculture has been effective, but the government is now expanding support beyond fertilizer subsidies.
“We are reviewing policies to support the entire production ecosystem, including reducing the cost of seedlings and subsidizing hybrid seeds,” he explained.
Prof. Gideon Obare, Director of Tegemeo Institute of Agriculture, acknowledged the government’s efforts but warned that subsidies alone are not sustainable in the long run.
“The strategy was designed to address a crisis, but over time, we need to reduce dependency on subsidies while ensuring productivity remains high,” he stated.
Tegemeo Institute Director Prof. Gideon Obare|Photo Courtesy|
Market inefficiencies were also highlighted as a significant challenge. Prof. Obare pointed out that a lack of proper market development allows intermediaries to exploit farmers.
“If there is a product at point A and demand at point B, that information should be effectively transmitted. Right now, brokers take advantage of farmers because suppliers lack access to market data,” he said.
Dr. Ronoh emphasized that the government is addressing these issues by establishing value-addition centers across the country.
“Farmers suffer due to a lack of information on market opportunities. We have set up centers in every county to help producers add value to their products and access better markets. So far, 13 of these centers are ready for commissioning,” he said.
The wheat sector was cited as an example of the challenges facing farmers. Prof. Obare explained that despite a 5% import duty on wheat, imported wheat remains cheaper than locally produced wheat.
“Taxes on farming machinery and poor soil quality have increased production costs, reducing competitiveness,” he noted.
Dr. Ronoh acknowledged the difficulties but highlighted Kenya’s strength.
“Kenyan wheat is of higher quality than imported wheat, and with the right policies, our farmers can compete,” he asserted.
Water management was also discussed as a key factor in improving food security. Dr. Ronoh pointed to the government’s plan to construct 100 dams to support agriculture.
“The issue in Kenya isn’t a lack of water but how we manage it,” he stressed.
Experts concluded that ensuring food security requires shifting smallholder farmers’ mindsets, investing in market development, and implementing well-planned government interventions.
“Youth may not engage in primary production, but they can be involved in transport, machinery repair, and other agricultural value chains,” Prof. Obare added, stressing the need for a diversified approach to agriculture.
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