Agriculture and Livestock Development CS Andrew Karanja highlighted the ministry’s dynamic approach and significant achievements in transforming Kenya’s agricultural landscape and boosting food security.
Karanja emphasized the success of the comprehensive fertilizer subsidy program, which has dramatically increased fertilizer distribution from 1.4 million bags in 2022 to 8.6 million by 2024—a 514% rise. Additionally, the cost per bag has dropped from Sh6,000 to Sh2,500, a 58% decrease, which has improved crop yields and bolstered national food security.
In the tea sector, the removal of VAT on locally sourced tea has led to an 11.8% increase in earnings, from Sh59.02 in 2022 to Sh66 in 2024. This reform has promoted local value addition and increased tea growers’ incomes.
Government efforts have also reduced reliance on imported edible oils by boosting local production. Over 556 metric tonnes of sunflower seeds have been supplied, and sunflower farming acreage has grown by 8.3%, from 60,000 acres in 2022 to 64,980 acres in 2024.
The leather industry has seen revitalization through the Kariokor Common Manufacturing Facility and the completion of the Central Effluent Treatment Plants at the Kenanie Industrial Leather Park. Increased livestock insurance coverage, up by 65.5%, has improved the industry’s capacity, with processing utilization rising from 40% in 2022 to 70% in 2024.
In the dairy sector, raising the minimum milk price from Sh37 to Sh50 per litre has resulted in a 13% increase in production, from 4.6 billion litres in 2022 to 5.2 billion litres in 2024. This policy has enhanced milk yields, product quality, and dairy farmers’ income.
Rice production increased by 19% from 192,299 tonnes in 2023 to 229,064 tonnes in 2024, with milled rice production growing by the same percentage. This growth has reduced import costs and improved farmers’ earnings.
The Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management and Information Systems has enrolled 6.15 million farmers into a digital register, streamlining input distribution via an e-voucher system and improving agricultural efficiency.
Government initiatives have also reduced maize imports by 10.8 million bags, cutting costs for consumers and lowering living expenses. Investments in processing plants and infrastructure have enhanced agricultural production quality and efficiency.
In livestock farming, expanding insurance and investing in animal genetic resources, including bull and goat semen production, have supported pastoralists and improved herd quality. The completion of the Isiolo abattoir further strengthens the sector.
Karanja concluded that the ministry’s comprehensive approach is driving significant progress in Kenya’s agriculture and livestock sectors, aligning with the BETA agenda’s goals of innovation, sustainability, and economic transformation. He assured Kenyans of the government’s commitment to exploring new opportunities for sector development in line with national development objectives.
