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

Kagwe wants export of raw agricultural produce banned, pushes for value addition

Sacco ReviewMay 21, 202602 mins

The Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe has called for sweeping laws to ban the export of raw agricultural produce and compel value addition before products leave Kenya, saying the move could unlock millions of jobs for young people. Speaking during the International Tea Day celebrations at Momul Tea Factory in Kericho,…

Subsidised AI programme expands access to improved dairy breeds in Western Kenya

Sacco ReviewMay 21, 202605 mins

Smallholder dairy farmers in Western Kenya are increasingly gaining access to affordable artificial insemination (AI) services as counties partner with Farm Input Promotions (FIPS) Africa to improve livestock productivity and household incomes. Kakamega County has rolled out a subsidised AI programme in collaboration with FIPS Africa, allowing farmers to access conventional semen services at Ksh700….

CS Kagwe orders crackdown on milk hawking to safeguard consumers and strengthen dairy Sector

Sacco ReviewMay 20, 202605 mins

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe has announced a nationwide crackdown on milk hawking, warning that the unregulated sale of raw milk poses serious public health risks and continues to undermine Kenya’s formal dairy industry. Speaking during the flagging off of bulk milk coolers for dairy cooperatives in Nairobi, Kagwe said the…

Meru residents push for bigger budget share for agriculture and youth empowerment

Sacco ReviewMay 17, 202604 mins

Residents of Meru County have called on the national government to prioritise agriculture and youth empowerment in the 2026/27 Budget, saying the two sectors hold the key to economic growth, job creation and improved livelihoods in the region. Speaking during a public participation forum on the Budget Estimates organised by the National Assembly’s Budget and…

PAC launches probe into KSh5.2 billion pending bills in maize and fertiliser subsidy programmes

Sacco ReviewMay 16, 2026May 16, 202603 mins

The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) has launched a fresh investigation into KSh5.252 billion in long‑standing pending bills linked to the government’s maize and fertiliser subsidy programmes, raising renewed concerns over delayed payments that have remained unsettled since the 2017/2018 financial year. The inquiry was launched during a session at Bunge Towers in Nairobi, which was…

Kenya marks milestone as first zero‑tariff agricultural exports arrive in China

Sacco ReviewMay 14, 202604 mins

Kenya has recorded a breakthrough in its trade relations with China after the first shipments of agricultural goods were exported under Beijing’s new zero‑tariff policy, which arrived at Chinese ports, opening fresh opportunities for farmers, exporters, and manufacturers. The inaugural consignments included fresh avocados, crude avocado oil, coffee, green beans, hides, and skins; all exported…

Kagwe defends 0.8 % tea export levy, says measure will protect farmers and expand markets

Sacco ReviewMay 14, 202606 mins

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has warned against attempts to roll back the newly introduced 0.8 per cent tea export levy, insisting the charge is vital to finance marketing, research, and value‑addition programmes aimed at revitalising Kenya’s tea industry. Appearing before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, Kagwe defended the Tea Levy…

Government push to revive cotton industry, aims at job creation and local fashion growth

Sacco ReviewMay 13, 2026May 13, 202604 mins

The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has identified the cotton value chain as a critical engine for job growth, particularly for the youth, and is urging Kenyans to embrace locally produced fabrics over imports. Speaking during a stakeholders’ meeting in Lamu, AFA Chairman Cornelly Serem challenged citizens to rethink their consumption habits. “When you are…

Kajiado MCAs raise alarm over collapse of agricultural mechanization services

Sacco ReviewMay 13, 2026May 14, 202604 mins

The Kajiado Members of County Assembly (MCAs) have raised serious concerns over the deteriorating state of agricultural mechanization services following the adoption of a report by the Committee on Agriculture, chaired by Joseph Mutunkei. The Committee’s oversight findings paint a troubling picture of neglect, mismanagement, and loss of critical public assets meant to support farmers…

Western Kenya farmers urged to embrace coffee farming amid declining sugarcane profits

Sacco ReviewMay 12, 2026May 14, 202604 mins

Farmers across Western Kenya are being urged to diversify into coffee farming as part of government efforts to revive agricultural incomes in the region. Speaking during a sensitisation forum in Busia County, Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya said coffee offers far better returns than traditional crops such as sugarcane and maize, which have suffered declining…