Kenya is committed to invest in irrigation, mechanization, and value chain development, while fostering partnerships with private sector players and research institutions for the country to be self sufficient in food production.
The Principal Secretary for Agriculture Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh noted that Kenya has made strides in boosting food production through initiatives singling out the subsidized fertilizer program and the national farmer database, which helps identify challenges facing smallholder farmers.
“The Kampala Declaration 2025, a key policy document, sets ambitious targets, including reducing post-harvest losses by 50 percent and tripling intra-African trade in agri-food products by 2035,” said Dr. Ronoh.
The PS made the remarks in a speech read on his behalf by the Development Secretary Administration in the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Rashid Khator at the graduation ceremony of Centre for African Leaders in Agriculture (CALA) Cohort 3 delegates of the Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) leadership program that was held a Nairobi hotel.
CALA is an Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA) led leadership programme targeting leaders from public, private and civil society sectors in food system transformation space in Africa.
He called upon the newly graduated leaders to bridge the gap between policy and practice by implementing strategies that empower farmers, youth, and women in agribusiness as well as to network, collaborate, and drive collective action toward a food-secure and to champion agricultural transformation across Africa.
The event also celebrated the achievements of professionals from the public, private, and civil society sectors across Africa who completed AGRA’s 16-month leadership program.
Dr. Ronoh commended AGRA’s efforts in equipping African leaders with the skills needed to transform food systems.
“The journey you have undertaken has been one of learning, transformation, and leadership growth. We count on you to champion climate-smart agriculture, drive technology adoption, advocate for policy reforms, and expand agribusiness,” said the PS.
Dr. Rono’s said Kenya is grateful that the CALA program has trained a total of 25 Kenyan leaders since its inception, who include officers from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in the 16-month program that equips professionals with leadership skills to address Africa’s food security challenges.
According to Dr. Ronoh, food insecurity remains a pressing issue, with over 61 million people in East Africa affected due to climate change, economic instability and conflicts.
He 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, emphasizing that leadership in agriculture is key to achieving economic growth, food security, and sustainability across the continent.
During the event, speakers emphasized the urgent need for climate-smart agriculture, agribusiness expansion, and policy-driven reforms to address food insecurity on the continent.
