The Israeli government has expressed a strong interest in investing heavily in large-scale farming initiatives within the country. This move comes as global food production faces challenges, particularly in wheat, due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The proposed investment seeks to harness Kenya’s vast agricultural potential through a structured private-to-private partnership model, supported by both governments.
The announcement was made following a recent meeting between Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Israeli Agriculture Minister Avi Ditcher. The discussions centered around forging a partnership that will see Israeli private investors committing billions of shillings to develop thousands of hectares of land in Kenya over a possible 25-year period. This investment is not only expected to bolster Kenya’s agricultural output but also to enhance its food security in the face of global shortages.
Under the proposed arrangement, the investment will be channeled through private-to-private partnerships, with substantial support and facilitation from the Kenyan and Israeli governments. This support is intended to create a favorable environment for the investors and ensure the smooth execution of the projects. The produce from these investments will be exported through private channels, facilitated by both governments. Additionally, a portion of the produce will be sold locally, which is anticipated to help stabilize food prices and contribute to reducing the cost of living for Kenyans.
“This is a private-private arrangement that will be supported by the governments of Kenya and Israel, ensuring the provision of necessary logistics and a conducive environment,” said Mudavadi. He emphasized that such investments are crucial for Kenya, especially in utilizing idle lands through private-sector initiatives, which will also help in job creation.
Mudavadi, who also serves as the Cabinet Secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, highlighted the dual benefits of this investment. Apart from creating thousands of jobs, it is expected to inject vitality into the local economy and enhance Kenya’s agricultural sector. The integration of Israeli technology and expertise is seen as a pivotal step in transforming Kenya’s agricultural landscape.
Israeli Agriculture Minister Avi Ditcher highlighted Kenya’s vast agricultural opportunities, noting the availability of large tracts of arable land and a growing population as key factors driving the interest. He emphasized that Israeli farmers and companies have developed advanced technologies that could significantly boost Kenya’s food production capabilities. “Israel is a leader in precision agriculture, which uses drones, sensors, and farm management software to boost yields. We want to bring this expertise to Kenya through our investors,” Ditcher said.
The collaboration will focus significantly on wheat production, an area where Israel has considerable expertise. This partnership aims to leverage Israel’s advanced agricultural technologies to enhance Kenya’s food production while minimizing the use of water and soil resources. The move is anticipated to help Kenya transition from a net importer of agricultural goods to an exporter, thereby improving its global competitiveness.
The meeting was attended by senior officials from both nations, including Abdishakur Hussein, Acting Deputy Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, and Michael Lotem, Israel’s Ambassador to Kenya. Their presence underscores the high level of commitment from both governments to support this initiative.
Agriculture plays a crucial role in Kenya’s economy, contributing over 33 percent of the country’s GDP, employing 40 percent of the population, and accounting for 65 percent of export earnings. Mudavadi stressed that integrating Israeli technology will help lower production costs and enhance the competitiveness of local agricultural produce on the global stage.
As Kenya looks forward to this promising partnership, the collaboration with Israel represents a significant opportunity to address food security challenges, create employment, and boost agricultural productivity. This investment could very well mark a transformative moment in Kenya’s agricultural sector, setting a precedent for future international partnerships.
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