Agriculture in Kenya is receiving renewed attention and dedication from the national and county governments as they join hands to develop sustainable farming practices. Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) Andrew Karanja, in partnership with the Council of Governors (CoG), is setting forth a comprehensive, long-term agenda to revolutionize the agriculture sector, particularly through the implementation of the subsidized fertilizer programme. This collaboration signals a strategic shift in approach toward addressing challenges and revitalizing Kenya’s agriculture sector to meet the demands of a growing economy and ensure improved livelihoods for Kenyan farmers.
At the heart of this transformative effort is the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) for agriculture. The joint initiative aims to foster intergovernmental cooperation and resource sharing to achieve targeted outcomes for each county, thereby enhancing both food security and agricultural productivity across Kenya. The consultative process took center stage at a recent two-day high-level meeting, where CS Karanja, alongside county leaders, outlined a detailed roadmap with measurable goals and joint implementation strategies to empower the agricultural sector.
Strengthening Intergovernmental Relations
One of the primary focuses of the meeting was enhancing intergovernmental relationships, aiming for seamless cooperation between the two levels of government: national and county. CS Karanja emphasized the importance of fostering a coordinated approach to implementing agricultural projects, advocating for regular intergovernmental engagements to ensure smooth operations. This approach is expected to help streamline communication and resource allocation between different levels of government, promoting a unified response to challenges in the agricultural sector.
The joint vision underscores that while the Ministry of Agriculture spearheads national policy and financial support, county governments are instrumental in localizing these efforts by tailoring initiatives to meet specific regional needs. To this end, both parties agreed to institutionalize the Joint Agricultural Sector Consultation and Cooperation Mechanism (JASCCOM), which will serve as a unified steering committee. This committee will play a crucial role in coordinating agricultural projects, ensuring that the county governments have a say in policy formation and program implementation.
The Subsidized Fertilizer Programme
A major point of discussion during the meeting was the subsidized fertilizer programme, a government initiative aimed at making fertilizer more affordable to farmers. Recognizing the high cost of agricultural inputs as a persistent obstacle for many Kenyan farmers, this subsidy programme seeks to alleviate the financial burden on farmers, allowing them to access essential resources for improved productivity.
The Ministry of Agriculture, in partnership with county governments, will oversee the rollout of subsidized fertilizer across all 47 counties. By adopting a county-specific approach to distribution, the programme aims to address unique regional needs while ensuring equitable access to resources. This initiative is part of the broader BETA plan, which emphasizes enhancing agricultural productivity and economic empowerment from the grassroots level.
County leaders, under the guidance of CoG chairman and Wajir Governor Ahmed Abdullahi, have committed to integrating these interventions into their County Integrated Development Plans (CIDP). By doing so, they aim to ensure that every county’s specific challenges and potential in the agricultural sector are effectively addressed, making the subsidy programme as efficient and impactful as possible.
Revitalizing Extension Services and Developing Feedlot Programmes
Another area of focus identified by the forum was the revitalization of agricultural extension services. Extension services have historically been an essential resource for farmers, providing them with the knowledge, skills, and technical support needed to adopt best practices and maximize yield. However, these services have declined over the years due to insufficient funding and resources. Through the renewed commitment to extension services, the Ministry and county governments aim to reintroduce robust training, outreach, and support systems that will aid farmers in adopting modern, efficient farming techniques.
Additionally, the Ministry and CoG discussed the implementation of feedlot programmes, a move aimed at transforming Kenya’s leather, dairy, and red meat industries. The feedlot programme seeks to provide a structured approach to livestock management, enabling farmers to increase productivity and produce higher-quality meat, milk, and leather products. A collaborative framework for the feedlot programme will be developed, with both levels of government outlining clear responsibilities to ensure its effective implementation.
The Ministry also committed to supporting county governments in the implementation of milk coolers and other feed programmes, recognizing the essential role of these resources in improving the dairy value chain. Each county will be responsible for identifying strategic sites for milk cooler installations, prioritizing areas with high dairy production and significant farmer presence. This approach is expected to increase milk storage capacity, reduce spoilage, and empower farmers by creating better market opportunities for their products.
Integration of BETA into County Development Plans
A notable outcome of the consultative meeting was the resolution to align the BETA interventions with the CIDPs. Governor Abdullahi emphasized the importance of integrating the national government’s agenda into county plans, with county-specific goals and action steps outlined for each region. This alignment is crucial, as it allows for a cohesive approach to agricultural transformation that is adaptable to each county’s unique needs and priorities.
As part of this alignment, a joint task team will be formed to oversee the integration process and monitor progress. This task team will be instrumental in ensuring that all counties work towards the same overarching objectives while also addressing local issues that may hinder progress. Through this collaboration, the national government’s BETA plan is expected to yield tangible benefits for farmers across Kenya, driving economic growth from the grassroots level.
Addressing Agricultural Land Subdivision and Enhancing Policy
An essential point raised during the meeting was the need to curb excessive subdivision of agricultural land, a practice that threatens Kenya’s agricultural productivity and food security. To address this issue, the Ministry and county governments proposed the creation of a national policy on agricultural land subdivision. This policy aims to protect agricultural land by establishing regulations that prevent unnecessary fragmentation, preserving land for food production and other agricultural uses.
Additionally, the Ministry and CoG have agreed to reform the agriculture and livestock input subsidy programmes. These reforms will clarify the roles and responsibilities of both levels of government, allowing for a more efficient and effective approach to distributing subsidies. By streamlining these programmes, the government hopes to enhance service delivery, ensuring that farmers receive the support they need in a timely and transparent manner.
The Way Forward: Intergovernmental Forum for Agriculture (IGF-A)
To ensure sustained collaboration and engagement, the Ministry of Agriculture announced the formation of the Intergovernmental Forum for Agriculture (IGF-A), a platform bringing together a larger group of stakeholders in the agricultural sector. Scheduled for February 2025, this forum will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to assess progress, share insights, and address emerging challenges. IGF-A will serve as a strategic platform for continuous dialogue, allowing both levels of government to adapt to changing circumstances and make informed decisions regarding the future of Kenya’s agricultural sector.
The IGF-A will also provide a platform for county governments to share success stories, challenges, and lessons learned, fostering a collaborative spirit across the sector. Through this forum, CS Karanja and county leaders aim to create a united front in the pursuit of agricultural transformation, with each county contributing to the national agenda in its unique way.
Conclusion
The partnership between CS Andrew Karanja and the Council of Governors is a promising step toward achieving a sustainable and prosperous agricultural sector in Kenya. By focusing on collaborative projects such as the subsidized fertilizer programme, feedlot initiatives, and the enhancement of extension services, the Ministry and county governments are poised to empower farmers across the country. The integration of BETA into county development plans, coupled with the creation of supportive policies, will enable counties to address their specific needs while contributing to national economic growth.
With a commitment to regular intergovernmental forums and the establishment of platforms like IGF-A, Kenya’s agriculture sector is on a path toward resilience and transformation. This strategic partnership represents a concerted effort to ensure that every farmer benefits from government support, resulting in a robust, thriving agriculture sector that will drive Kenya’s economic growth and improve the livelihoods of countless citizens.
