Nairobi: The government is intensifying its commitment to enhancing food production by investing in key areas such as irrigation, mechanization, and value chain development. This strategic move aims to foster partnerships with private sector stakeholders and research institutions, ultimately striving to achieve self-sufficiency in food production for the nation.
According to Kenya News Agency, Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh highlighted the significant strides Kenya has made in boosting food production through initiatives like the subsidized fertilizer program and the national farmer database. These efforts are designed to address the challenges faced by smallholder farmers. Dr. Ronoh emphasized the importance of the Kampala Declaration 2025, a policy document that sets ambitious targets such as reducing post-harvest losses by 50% and tripling intra-African trade in agri-food products by 2035.
Speaking at a Nairobi hotel, Dr. Ronoh's remarks were delivered by Rashid Khator, Secretary of Administration in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, during the graduation ceremony for the Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA) Cohort 3 delegates of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) leadership program. CALA, led by AGRA, focuses on equipping leaders from public, private, and civil society sectors to transform the food systems in Africa.
Dr. Ronoh urged the newly graduated leaders to bridge the gap between policy and practice by implementing strategies to empower farmers, youth, and women in agribusiness. He encouraged them to network, collaborate, and drive collective action towards a food-secure future, championing agricultural transformation across the continent. The event also celebrated the achievements of professionals from various sectors across Africa who completed AGRA's 16-month leadership program.
Commending AGRA's efforts, Dr. Ronoh acknowledged the program's role in equipping African leaders with the necessary skills to transform food systems. He expressed trust in the graduates to champion climate-smart agriculture, drive technology adoption, advocate for policy reforms, and expand agribusiness. He also noted that since its inception, the CALA program has trained 25 local leaders, including officers from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
Addressing the pressing issue of food insecurity, which affects over 61 million people in East Africa due to climate change, economic instability, and conflicts, Dr. Ronoh emphasized the need for climate adaptation strategies, mechanization, and youth involvement in agribusiness to build a resilient food system.
As the graduates embark on their next phase, AGRA representatives reaffirmed their support, stressing that leadership in agriculture is crucial for achieving economic growth, food security, and sustainability across the continent. The event underscored the urgent need for climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness expansion, and policy-driven reforms to tackle food insecurity in Africa.