Nairobi: Kenya has welcomed agricultural journalists from across the world to Nairobi for the landmark International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) World Congress 2025, marking the first time the global event is being hosted in Eastern Africa and the second time on the African continent since 1952.
According to Kenya News Agency, the four-day congress from October 14-18, themed "Unlocking the Agricultural Potential in the Cradle of Mankind," brings together over 250 agricultural journalists, communicators, scientists, and policymakers from around the globe. It aims to strengthen global collaboration in agricultural communication, promote innovation, and showcase Kenya's leadership in sustainable farming and agri-tech development.
In his opening remarks, Agriculture and Livestock Development CS, Mutahi Kagwe, emphasized the significance of the congress being the first of its kind in Eastern Africa, affirming Kenya's place as a leader in agricultural transformation. He highlighted Kenya's world-renowned tea and coffee, vibrant horticultural enterprises, and a growing ecosystem of agri-tech innovations. Kagwe noted that agriculture remains the backbone of the country's economy, contributing to over 21 percent of the GDP and providing livelihoods to millions of Kenyans.
IFAJ president Steve Werblow commended Kenya for hosting the event and praised the country's progress in agricultural research, innovation, and communication. He acknowledged the efforts of Media for Environment, Science and Agriculture (MESHA) in organizing the congress, which allows participants to meet government officials, NGO visionaries, and world-class researchers.
Nairobi's selection as the host city highlights Kenya's status as a regional hub for agricultural research and innovation. The city is home to global institutions such as the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO). Dr. Kiprono Ronoh, Principal Secretary, State Department for Agriculture, emphasized that agriculture is the heartbeat of Africa's transformation, showcasing Kenyan farmers, scientists, and storytellers reimagining food security and sustainability.
Jonathan Mueke, Principal Secretary, State Department for Livestock Development, noted that livestock is a way of life for millions in Kenya. The congress provides a platform to share how innovation and resilience in pastoralism and livestock farming are shaping Kenya's contribution to global food systems.
The 2025 IFAJ Congress also marks the 20th anniversary of MESHA. MESHA Chairperson Bozo Jeje highlighted the importance of journalists in giving voice to farmers and connecting rural realities to global audiences. MESHA secretary, Aghan Daniel, emphasized that the congress is a testament to Africa's progress in science communication, inspiring change and showcasing Africa's resilience and innovation.
During their stay, delegates will visit key agricultural regions, including tea and coffee plantations, floriculture farms, aquaculture projects, and insect protein enterprises. They will explore innovations in drought-smart livestock systems and community-driven agribusiness models. Plenary sessions will focus on sustainable pest management, climate change adaptation, gender equity, the future of seeds, and the role of data and AI in agriculture.
The congress is expected to position Kenya as a thought leader in sustainable agriculture and communication, opening new opportunities for investment and knowledge exchange in the sector. Hosting the World Congress 2025 demonstrates that Kenya's agricultural story is about both resilience and innovation, fostering global collaboration.