Kenya has called for bold, science-driven solutions to tackle the global food security crisis.
Speaking at the official opening of the CGIAR Science Week 2025 at the United Nations Headquarters in Nairobi, the Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi urged governments and leaders to proactively embrace science and technology to boost food production, tackle agricultural diseases.
“I called on governments and leaders to proactively embrace science and technology to boost food production, tackle agricultural diseases, and counter the impacts of climate change, which continues to cause significant losses.” Mudavadi urged.
Co-hosted by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), CGIAR Science Week, brings together leading voices in agricultural science to explore how partnerships can be forged in more effective ways to harness and scale pioneering science and innovation that can deliver food and nutritional security and strengthened livelihoods for all.
The event is being attended by global dignitaries and decision-makers, science experts, funders, and farming community members.
Throughout Science Week, the role of partnerships will be strongly emphasized, recognizing the vital importance of collaboration to tackle today’s complex agricultural challenges in an increasingly challenging funding landscape.
The Prime Cabinet Secretary highlighted Kenya’s commitment to agricultural research and innovation through its Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, which positions the agri-food system as a key pillar of national growth and resilience.
Mudavadi noted that: “We believe that transforming this sector will drive poverty reduction and job creation, improved livelihoods and food security, gender equality and inclusion, and climate change adaptation and environmental sustainability.”
Adding that: “Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, providing over 60pc of employment in Kenya. Yet the
sector faces a perfect storm of challenges in climate change, loss of biodiversity, and rapid population growth. The only way forward lies in science-driven solutions generated through robust partnerships among stakeholders.”
CGIAR and KALRO collaboration
Mudavadi’s sentiments were echoed by Principal Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, State Department for Livestock Development, Kenya, Jonathan Mueke who lauded the long standing collaboration between CGIAR and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).
“Kenya is honored to co-host this important gathering. CGIAR has been a longstanding and strategic partner in agricultural development and innovation, not only here in Kenya but across the African continent. The partnership between CGIAR and our national institutions, particularly the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), continues to bear fruit in research, capacity building, and the dissemination of innovations that uplift our farmers and communities,” said Mueke.
On her part, UN Nairobi Office Director General Zainab Hawa expressed appreciation to host the event bringing together the brightest minds in agricultural science and development.
“Science Week will present unique opportunities to share knowledge to advance and develop the role that agriculture plays in solving some of the world’s most pressing challenges.” She remarked.
CGIAR Executive Managing Director Ismahane Elouafi said this week marked a pivotal moment towards transforming global agriculture and food systems affirming CGIAR unwavering commitment to advancing groundbreaking agricultural science.
“CGIAR is unwavering in our commitment to advancing groundbreaking agricultural science that is sustainable, inclusive, and rooted in the belief that research, innovation, and collaboration are the keys to overcoming the complex challenges facing agri-food systems today,” said Elouafi.
Held at the United Nations Office at Nairobi (UNON) complex, over 8,000 delegates have gathered for a week of events, workshops, exhibitions, and field trips. Science Week builds on CGIAR’s 50-year legacy of driving impact through partnerships that develop and scale innovations to tackle the most pressing agricultural challenges facing our planet’s food, land, and water systems.
The conference also serves as a platform for stakeholders to investigate new investment pathways that accelerate agricultural research in the face of mounting global agricultural challenges.
Science Week is a platform to enhance regional and global partnerships with the aim of scaling innovations and solutions, reinforcing practices that work.
The Opening Ceremony set the tone for the week by emphasizing the transformative power of research, innovation, technology, science, and partnerships in reimagining and shaping a brighter future for all.
