Kenya and France have significantly deepened their collaboration in the agricultural sector, signaling a renewed commitment to strengthening food security, promoting sustainable farming practices, and enhancing technology transfer. The announcement follows a high-level meeting at Kilimo House where both parties reiterated their intention to leverage France’s global expertise to transform Kenya’s agricultural landscape.
The partnership builds on an existing framework, with special emphasis on the implementation of the 2023 Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two nations. The MoU outlines a strategic roadmap for joint initiatives designed to scale up agricultural productivity, modernize farming techniques, and improve the livelihoods of farmers across Kenya.
Among the flagship projects under this collaboration is the scaling up of dairy cattle breed improvement. Through the Kenya Animal Genetic Resources Centre (KAGRC), efforts will focus on enhancing the quality and productivity of dairy cattle breeds, thus boosting milk production and the overall competitiveness of Kenya’s dairy sector.
Another cornerstone of the partnership is advancing vaccine research and production through the Kenya Veterinary Vaccines Production Institute (KEVEVAPI). Strengthening KEVEVAPI’s capacity is seen as critical to safeguarding livestock health, ensuring consistent vaccine availability, and supporting the broader livestock economy, which is a vital pillar of Kenya’s agricultural sector.
Capacity building also forms a major element of the Kenya-France agricultural cooperation. Plans are underway to launch extensive training programs and technical exchange visits aimed at equipping Kenyan agricultural professionals and farmers with modern skills and best practices. Through these programs, Kenya stands to benefit from France’s technological advancements and institutional expertise, ultimately fostering innovation and resilience within the sector.
Furthermore, both countries are exploring the construction of a modern wholesale market in Nairobi. The establishment of such a facility is expected to significantly improve the efficiency of agricultural value chains, reduce post-harvest losses, and provide farmers with better access to lucrative urban markets. This initiative aligns with Kenya’s broader agenda of enhancing food systems and promoting agribusiness.
Reviving the Geographical Indication (GI) project is also on the agenda. Geographical Indications, which identify a product as originating from a specific place with certain qualities or reputation, are seen as a powerful tool for adding value to agricultural products. By advancing the GI project, Kenya aims to protect and promote its unique agricultural products, opening new opportunities in premium markets both locally and internationally.
In addition, Kenya seeks to strengthen collaboration with leading French agricultural institutions. These partnerships are expected to facilitate joint research projects, innovation in agro-processing, and the adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies critical to adapting to the impacts of climate change.
This renewed engagement underscores the importance both Kenya and France place on agriculture not just as a driver of food security, but also as a cornerstone for economic development, employment creation, and poverty reduction. As the two countries continue to build on their longstanding friendship, the agricultural sector is poised to become an even more vibrant and transformative force, delivering tangible benefits for millions of Kenyans.
The ongoing collaboration reflects a shared vision for a more resilient, productive, and sustainable agricultural sector, with Kenya tapping into French innovation and expertise to advance its agricultural transformation agenda.
