By Andrew Walyaula
Kenya has signed a bilateral agreement with Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) to boost agricultural productivity and food security, through “mutually beneficial trade”, education and research.
DRC will provide a ready market for Kenya’s food products which are the main exports and account for 33 percent of the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
President Uhuru Kenyatta and his DR Congo counterpart Felix Tshisekedi witnessed the signing of the agreement at State House, Nairobi.
Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary Amb. Raychelle Omamo signed on Kenyan’s behalf while Ministers Mzinga Birihanze Desire (Agriculture) and Bokele Djema Adrien (Fisheries and Livestock) co-signed on behalf of DR Congo.
State House Kenya said the agreement will cover the areas of “crop development and promotion, agricultural and livestock research, animal health and production.”
“The objectives of the agreement include promoting increased agricultural productivity in Kenya and DR Congo, encouraging joint investment ventures between respective private entrepreneurs as well as boosting mutually beneficial trade between the two countries,” State House Kenya said in a statement.
State House further revealed that the fisheries department, aquaculture and Blue Economy, marketing of agricultural commodities as well as promotion of youth in agriculture programs such as 4K clubs will also benefit from the agreement.
The 4K – Kuungana Kufanya Kusaidia Kenya – clubs (Unity in Acting to Aid Kenya), were started in 1962 to “encourage young people to change their mindset and join agribusiness.”
Chief Administrative Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock Fisheries and Cooperatives Anne Nyagah said the signing of the bilateral agreement will greatly benefit local farmers.
In April 2021, President Kenyatta visited President Tshisekedi in Kinshasa to sign the Defense agreement. It is from this meeting that the idea to have bilateral relations with DRC to improve food security in both countries begun.
The agricultural sector is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, contributing approximately 33 percent of Kenya’s GDP. The sector employs more than 40 percent of Kenya’s population.
The sector also accounts for 65 percent of the export earnings, provides the livelihood (employment, income, and food security needs) for more than 80 percent of the Kenyan population and contributes to improving nutrition through the production of safe, diverse, and nutrient-dense foods.
