- Government expands its digital push to improve farm management and service delivery
- Soil health, climate pressures and post-harvest losses remain key agricultural challenges
- New partnerships target technology adoption, livestock production and export growth
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe has unveiled a digital farming push, with 8.9 million farmers now registered nationwide.
Speaking at the Nairobi International Trade Fair, Kagwe said the farmers are listed under the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System (KIAMIS). As a result, the government can target subsidised fertiliser, seeds, vaccination and animal identification services.
However, Kagwe warned that 63 percent of Kenya’s soils are acidic. He likened using inputs without soil tests to taking medicine without a diagnosis. “Good soil health, based on sound science and data, is what shall feed and sustain us,” he said. Notably, digital soil laboratories were launched on September 29.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Agricultural and Digital Information Center (KADIC) will coordinate farm data as the sector’s “single source of truth”. A partnership with Fahari Aviation will bring drones into farming, while another with MPost will introduce digital addressing. The deals will also build artificial intelligence skills.
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Agriculture grew by 3.1 percent in 2025 despite climate pressure. Droughts and floods cost about 2 to 2.8 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) yearly, he said. Consequently, irrigation is expanding, including investments at Galana Kulalu.
In livestock, Kagwe assessed the Isiolo Abattoir and handed the Bachuma National Livestock Quarantine Center to private investors. He also urged affordable feeds and wider insurance after dry conditions hit milk supply. Encouragingly, marketed livestock production rose from Ksh232.3 billion in 2024 to Ksh269.4 billion in 2025. Tea earned about Ksh187 billion, cut flowers Ksh103 billion, fruits and vegetables Ksh100 billion and coffee Ksh52 billion.
To cut losses after harvest, the government is distributing mobile dryers and promoting the Warehouse Receipt System. Kagwe also urged stronger cooperatives and storage investment. Moreover, youth and women must be central, he said, and he backed Agricultural Society of Kenya shows as investment platforms.
By Benedict Aoya
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