- Kagwe wants a bigger agriculture budget to strengthen farmer support and food security.
- The ministry faces a funding gap of more than Sh60 billion.
- Senate committee pledges to push for more funding for agriculture agencies and research.
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has called for increased financial support for his ministry. According to him, inadequate funding is limiting efforts to support farmers and strengthen food security.
Currently, the ministry has a Ksh75.491 billion ceiling under the 2026 Budget Policy Statement, against a projected requirement of Ksh135.864 billion.
The CS raised these funding concerns when he appeared before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, chaired by Bungoma Senator David Wakoli. According to him, agricultural research, pest control and regulatory agencies were among those struggling with inadequate resources.
“Agriculture is supposed to be funded to a tune of 10 per cent of the country’s budget, but we receive only two per cent,” he said.
READ:
https://saccoreview.co.ke/kenya-exports-premium-rice-as-imports-fill-widening-supply-gap/
He added that additional funding would enable the ministry and its agencies to strengthen support for farmers while improving food production and food security.
Senate pledges support
In response, Senator Wakoli said the committee would push for increased funding for key agricultural agencies and research institutions.
Ultimately, the increased demand for funding comes as Kenya seeks to expand agricultural production while maintaining access to export markets for high-value crops and food products.
By Jonathan Mwinzi
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