Kenya took center stage at the CGIAR Science Week 2025, hosted at the United Nations Headquarters in Nairobi, as Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi called for stronger science and technology-driven solutions to address the world’s agricultural challenges. Mudavadi urged global leaders to embrace scientific innovation to tackle agricultural diseases, boost food production, and combat the adverse impacts of climate change, which continues to undermine global food security.
The event, co-hosted by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) and CGIAR, brought together over 8,000 delegates, including global dignitaries, decision-makers, science experts, funders, and members of the farming community. Throughout the week, the focus was on how partnerships can harness agricultural science to ensure food and nutritional security and bolster livelihoods worldwide.
Mudavadi emphasized Kenya’s commitment to agricultural research and innovation, citing the country’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which positions the agri-food system as a pillar for national growth. He highlighted agriculture as the backbone of Kenya’s economy, noting that the sector provides over 60% of employment in the country. However, agriculture faces numerous challenges, including climate change, biodiversity loss, and rapid population growth. The Prime Cabinet Secretary stressed that science-driven solutions and robust partnerships were essential to overcoming these hurdles.
Kenya’s long-standing collaboration with CGIAR was also praised by Jonathan Mueke, Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, who acknowledged the vital role CGIAR has played in advancing agricultural development in Kenya and across Africa.
UN Nairobi Office Director General Zainab Hawa also expressed her appreciation for hosting the event, emphasizing the unique opportunity for knowledge sharing and collaboration to tackle pressing global agricultural challenges.
With a rich history of transforming agriculture through research and innovation, CGIAR remains committed to advancing groundbreaking solutions to ensure a sustainable and inclusive future for global food systems.
