The Kenyan government is developing a comprehensive post-harvest management strategy aimed at reducing post-harvest losses by 50% by 2025. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi highlighted the significant impact of post-harvest losses on food security,
noting that such losses account for 30-40% of agricultural produce, resulting in an annual loss of Ksh.72
billion across various value chains.
This strategic initiative is being developed in collaboration with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO). The announcement was made during an exhibition themed “Improving Market Access and Reduction of Post-Harvest Losses,” which serves as a precursor to the Madaraka Day celebrations in Bungoma County, led by President William Ruto.
To curb post-harvest losses, the Ministry of Agriculture has distributed 100 mobile grain dryers to 15 major maize-growing counties and commissioned 359 units of 3,000-liter capacity bulk milk coolers and accessories across 46 counties. These efforts are expected to significantly reduce losses in the dairy industry and enhance the storage and preservation of maize.
Cabinet Secretary Linturi also emphasized the need to improve market infrastructure for farmers, which remains underdeveloped in many agricultural counties.
He stated that the ministry is committed to promoting and facilitating the trade and marketing of high-quality agricultural products in domestic, regional, and international markets at competitive prices. This initiative aims to strengthen the agricultural sector and improve food security in Kenya.
