- CS Mutahi Kagwe encourages Kenyans, especially private sector players, to lease unused government land.
- Kenya’s food import dependency is rising, with 92% wheat and 75% rice imports.
- Idle land under the Agricultural Development Corporation and the Kenya Prisons Service is available for lease.
- Public-private partnerships (PPPs) have helped revive sugar production.
- Nakuru Agricultural Show draws 150 exhibitors, highlighting the push for climate-smart farming.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has made a strong appeal for Kenyans to lease idle government land to help address the growing food production gap. Speaking at the Nakuru Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) National Show, he emphasized the pressing need for local solutions to reduce Kenya’s dependency on food imports, particularly in the cases of wheat, rice, and other staple crops.
Kagwe pointed out that 92% of wheat and 75% of rice consumed in Kenya are imported, underscoring the importance of leveraging available land to grow more locally. He stated that vast tracts of unused land, managed by the Agricultural Development Corporation and the Kenya Prisons Service, could be leased to investors to boost domestic food and crop production.
The Cabinet Secretary acknowledged the recent success of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in revitalizing various sectors, such as the sugar industry. Notably, the leasing of government-owned sugar companies, including Mumias and Nzoia, has contributed to the revival of local sugar production. Kagwe expressed optimism that such initiatives could have a similar effect on other crops, helping to reduce reliance on imports.
“For the first time in years, Kenya has not had to import maize or sugar,” he proudly announced, highlighting this as a key achievement in the country’s efforts to improve local production and self-sufficiency.
The Nakuru ASK Show, themed “Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Growth,” showcased the growing interest and innovation within Kenya’s agricultural sector. With a record number of 150 exhibitors, including 35 first-time participants, the show was a platform for showcasing climate-resilient farming practices and trade initiatives.
Nakuru Deputy Governor David Kones praised the increase in participation, calling it a sign of the growing importance of agriculture in the county. He also mentioned that, in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture, the county had distributed over 36 million pyrethrum seedlings in the last two years to revive the crop, once a major economic contributor.
Among the standout exhibitors at the event were the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA), which took home 11 awards, and the Kenya Tea Development Agency. KPA Chairman Peter Odera emphasized the agency’s commitment to efficiency and sustainability, particularly in the use of green energy.
Other notable exhibitors included the Kenya Seed Company, Kenya Prisons Service, KARLO Njoro, and universities such as Egerton and Kabarak, all contributing to Kenya’s drive towards sustainable agriculture.
The agricultural exhibition series continues, with the next stop scheduled in Kisumu in two weeks. As Kenya moves towards a more sustainable, self-reliant agricultural future, these events serve as crucial milestones in promoting the innovation needed to address the country’s food security challenges.
By encouraging land leasing, partnerships, and the adoption of climate-smart practices, Kagwe’s call aims to inspire both private and public sectors to join forces in strengthening Kenya’s agricultural landscape.
