- Kenya and Italy partner on a Ksh1.5 billion plan targeting key agri-food value chains
- Farmers and agri-food enterprises in Nakuru and Kilifi set to benefit from the initiative
- The partnership will focus on value addition, market access and sustainable production
Kenya and Italy are deepening cooperation in agriculture through a €10.2 million (about Ksh1.5 billion) initiative in Nakuru and Kilifi counties.
The initiative is aimed at transforming agri-food value chains, boosting incomes and creating jobs. The AGRIPACT – Lombardia–Kenya Partnership for Resilient, Inclusive and Circular Agri-Food Value Chains was at the centre of bilateral discussions between Kenya, Italy and the Lombardy Region.
The meeting brought together Italy’s Ambassador to Kenya, Vincenzo Del Monaco, Undersecretary of the Lombardy Region for International and European Relations Raffaele Cattaneo, and Kenyan officials. They met to explore ways of strengthening agricultural enterprises and value addition.
Supported by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS), the initiative will focus on dairy and horticulture in Nakuru. Kilifi, on the other hand, will benefit from horticultural interventions, including fruit processing and drying.
AGRIPACT is expected to directly benefit about 20,800 people. They include smallholder farmers, livestock keepers, cooperatives, producer organisations, agri-food micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and young agricultural service providers.
READ ALSO:
The discussion centred on strengthening cooperatives and MSMEs, expanding access to markets and finance, promoting value addition and agro-processing, and improving governance within the targeted value chains.
In addition, the partnership will promote circular economy solutions. These are designed to improve productivity while reducing waste and creating more sustainable agricultural production systems.
Kenya is expected to tap into Lombardy’s experience in cooperative enterprise development, manufacturing and agro-processing. This comes as the country advances its cooperative transformation and agri-food value chain agenda.
Furthermore, the initiative is expected to generate practical models and lessons that could be replicated beyond Nakuru and Kilifi. This could support wider efforts to create jobs, raise farmer incomes and drive inclusive economic growth.
Ultimately, the partnership marks a new chapter in Kenya-Italy cooperation. Both sides are seeking to turn agricultural potential into stronger enterprises, better markets and sustainable livelihoods.
By Lizzy Aluga
Get more stories from our website: Sacco Review.
For comments and clarifications, write to: Saccoreview@
Kindly follow us via our social media pages on Facebook: Sacco Review Newspaper for timely updates
Stay ahead of the pack! Grab the latest Sacco Review newspaper!
