Nairobi:Agriculture and Livestock Development CS Mutahi Kagwe has announced a digital transformation initiative for Kenya’s agricultural sector, with 8.9 million farmers already registered under government systems. This move aims to improve productivity and accountability by enabling targeted delivery of agricultural services.
According to Kenya News Agency, Kagwe highlighted the benefits of the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System (KIAMIS) and the Animal Identification and Traceability System. These systems will help the government provide subsidized fertilizer, certified seeds, vaccination, and other services to farmers. The Kenya Agricultural and Digital Information Centre (KADEC) has been launched to centralize agricultural data and technology, addressing gaps in farmer identification and access to markets.
The government plans to implement universal digital addressing to efficiently reach farmers with essential services like finance, insurance, and market information. A partnership with Fahari Aviation will introduce drone technology for precision agriculture, enhancing crop and livestock monitoring, soil analysis, and pest detection. This initiative will also strengthen national capacities in Artificial Intelligence and data protection.
Furthermore, the government is scaling up scientific soil testing, as 63 percent of Kenya’s soils are acidic. The National Digital Soil Works Project will establish a network of modern laboratories to assist farmers in making informed fertilizer decisions. The government is also focusing on expanding irrigation, promoting drought-resistant crops, and investing in animal health and market infrastructure.
Kagwe noted that agriculture grew by 3.1 percent in 2025, despite challenges like rising production costs and climate variability. The government is promoting value addition and market development in key sectors like coffee, tea, and dairy. Efforts to reduce post-harvest losses include distributing mobile dryers and promoting the Warehouse Receipt System.
Kagwe emphasized the importance of involving young people and women in the agricultural transformation, with opportunities in processing, technology, and entrepreneurship. He called for the Agricultural Society of Kenya to use its shows and trade fairs as platforms for innovation and investment under the theme of promoting climate-smart agriculture.
