Nairobi: The Ministry of Agriculture is intensifying efforts to integrate policy briefs and research outputs into national planning frameworks, while advocating for increased budget allocations to research and development. Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh has highlighted the need for stronger investment to retain scientific talent and strengthen institutions, as Kenya currently falls short of the African Union’s Maputo Declaration target of allocating at least one percent of GDP to agricultural research.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Ronoh, in a speech delivered by the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) chair, Dr. Thuo Mathenge, emphasized that a well-funded research institute serves as a national advantage. He stressed the importance of aligning government efforts with carbon-conscious and climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance productivity, expand market access, and combat hunger through sustainable systems.
The recently concluded KALRO research and scientific conference, themed ‘Innovating towards resilient agri-food systems for climate action, food security, and sustainable livelihoods,’ convened scientists, policymakers, and development partners to explore solutions aimed at boosting agricultural productivity and addressing hunger. Dr. Ronoh underscored the critical role of research institutions like KALRO in informing policy decisions and shaping budgetary processes.
KALRO Director General Dr. Patrick Ketiem called for the accelerated adoption and scaling of agricultural innovations to bridge existing gaps in food security, farmer incomes, and productivity. Despite the development of numerous technologies and innovations by KALRO and other institutions, many have yet to reach farmers’ fields. He stressed the need for strong partnerships to enhance the reach of solutions addressing challenges such as climate change, soil health, and pest control.
The conference, which saw participation from over 2,000 stakeholders, also focused on food safety, regulatory frameworks, and agricultural transformation. Dr. Ketiem highlighted the requirement for enhanced support for smallholder farmers, who constitute about 80 percent of Kenya’s agricultural sector. He urged the pooling of resources from various sectors to efficiently scale innovations, ensuring a greater impact on job creation, food security, and youth employment.
The 2nd KALRO Scientific Conference and Innovation Expo, held from June 15-19, 2026, stands as Kenya’s premier platform for agricultural and livestock experts to advance resilient agri-food systems and climate resilience.
