Mudavadi launches FAO-backed curriculum, pushes climate-smart agriculture

Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi inaugurated a new Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO)-supported curriculum and unveiled student hostels at the Kaimosi Agricultural Research and Training Centre (KARTC) on Friday, August 7, 2026. The Prime Cabinet Secretary emphasized that agriculture remains the backbone of Kenya's economy, contributing one-third of the Gross Domestic Product, supporting over 70% of rural households, and providing livelihoods for millions of Kenyans. He stressed that a food-secure nation ensures its future prosperity.

Mudavadi, speaking at the KARTC Agricultural Expo, highlighted the government's commitment to modernizing and profitable agriculture as central to Kenya's economic growth. He commended KARTC for its vital role in agricultural research, innovation, and skills development, alongside other institutions like Bukura Agricultural College, the Kenya School of Agriculture, the Dairy Training Institute, and the Animal Health and Industry Training Institute (AHITI).

The Cabinet Secretary praised the FAO for its ongoing partnership with Kenya to promote food security, climate-smart agriculture, and sustainable development. He reiterated that agriculture is a key component of Kenya's Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, pursued through investments to boost productivity and farmer incomes.

Recent initiatives, such as fertilizer subsidies, expanded irrigation, mechanization, access to quality seeds, and reforms in coffee and sugar sectors, have already yielded positive results, including increased maize production, higher milk output, and renewed farmer confidence.

Mudavadi cautioned that climate change poses a significant threat to the agricultural sector and advocated for increased investment in climate-smart farming technologies, water conservation, and research. He underscored KARTC's crucial role in developing innovations to help farmers adapt to changing weather patterns while maintaining productivity.

The Prime Cabinet Secretary further noted that agriculture is increasingly becoming a vital pillar of Kenya's foreign relations through agricultural diplomacy, which aids the country in accessing new export markets, attracting investment, and enhancing its standing as a regional agribusiness hub. He emphasized the need for greater emphasis on value addition to boost earnings, create jobs, and encourage young people to view agriculture as a technology-driven industry rather than a subsistence activity.