Agriculture - Sacco Review | The Leading Newspaper for Co-operative Movement in Kenya

KALRO opposes plan to move livestock research to new body as MPs review Livestock Bill

Sacco ReviewNovember 7, 2026November 9, 202605 mins

The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) has opposed a proposal to move livestock research into a separate institution, as MPs reviewed the Livestock Bill, 2026, in Machakos County on Friday, November 6, 2026. Supporters of the move, however, argued that livestock has long deserved an independent research body. The National Assembly Agriculture and…

Imanyara pledges to push for sh34 billion tea debt write-off, higher bonuses for farmers

Sacco ReviewNovember 7, 2026November 9, 202607 mins

Meru farmer, politician and lawyer Mugambi Imanyara has pledged to push for the write-off of Sh34 billion owed by tea factories within 18 months. He blamed the mounting debts and the disputed 0.8 per cent tea levy for low farmer earnings. Mr Imanyara, who is popularly known for his philanthropy towards residents from humble backgrounds,…

Certified seeds to boost rice production for Mwea farmers

Sacco ReviewNovember 6, 202609 mins

Mwea rice farmers set to benefit from improved access to planting materials. New agricultural initiative targets persistent challenges affecting local rice production. South Korean-backed project introduces fresh opportunities for Kenya’s rice-growing sector. For rice farmers in Mwea, Kirinyaga County, the promise of a better harvest could soon become a reality. A new initiative seeks to…

Kirinyaga overtakes Kiambu as Kenya’s top coffee earner

Sacco ReviewNovember 6, 202605 mins

Kirinyaga overtakes Kiambu as Kenya’s leading coffee earner, generating Ksh7.48 billion in the 2025/26 season. Kericho leads coffee sales by volume, delivering 6,624 MT to the Nairobi Coffee Exchange. Coffee production across five leading counties rises by 30 per cent, while Kiambu records a sustained decline. Kiambu no longer leads Kenya’s coffee counties, and Kirinyaga…

Sh18bn fertiliser subsidy targets 1.26m farmers

Sacco ReviewNovember 6, 2026November 6, 202604 mins

Ksh18 billion fertiliser subsidy targets 1.26 million farmers. Government cites lower fertiliser and certified maize seed prices. Livestock vaccination campaign targets millions of animals nationwide. Kenya has set aside Ksh18 billion for the 2026/2027 National Fertiliser Subsidy Programme, a allocation meant to put cheaper farm inputs in the hands of 1.26 million farmers. The figure…

Kenya courts Thai investors to process farm produce locally

Sacco ReviewNovember 5, 202607 mins

Kenya has urged Thai investors to establish local agro-processing factories instead of exporting raw farm produce. Coffee, tea and avocados have been identified as key exports with potential in the Thai market. The two countries are also pursuing farmer exchanges, agricultural training and technology partnerships. Kenya and Thailand want to grow their farm trade, draw…

Avocado Society says Kenya has no seed weevil infestation

Sacco ReviewNovember 5, 202604 mins

Kenya reports no avocado seed weevil infestation. Mexico’s pest detection has raised export concerns. The larvae damage avocado seeds, threatening export markets. Kenya’s avocados are free of the avocado seed weevil, according to the Avocado Society of Kenya, which says no case of infestation has ever been reported in the country or anywhere else in…

Saccos to lead Ksh 2.2 billion youth agribusiness lending

Sacco ReviewNovember 5, 202605 mins

Saccos are expected to anchor the disbursement of Ksh 2.2 billion in youth agribusiness loans. Participating financial institutions have committed an additional Ksh 60 billion to young people and women. ENABLE Youth has recruited 1,500 young agripreneurs and supported 1,000 to develop bankable business plans. Kenyan farmers should not be borrowing at double digit interest…

Bura Irrigation Scheme expands into sugarcane farming

Sacco ReviewNovember 4, 202603 mins

The Bura Irrigation Scheme in Tana River County is adding sugarcane to its crops, with officials saying early results point to strong yields. The move widens what the scheme grows, which has traditionally been rice, rather than replacing it. Head of Public Service Felix Koskei said the area’s agro-climatic conditions favour sugar production. The cane…

Irrigation push targets 1.5 million acres to cut imports

Sacco ReviewNovember 4, 202605 mins

The government is targeting 1.5 million acres under irrigation to boost food production and reduce imports. Galana-Kulalu and the proposed Galana-Athi Dam are among the projects expected to expand irrigation coverage. Kenya spends an estimated Ksh560 billion annually on food imports as the government seeks to strengthen local production. The government has stepped up plans…