Ruto: Kenya must cut Sh3 trillion food import bill

President William Ruto unveiled a comprehensive plan to revolutionize Kenya's agricultural sector into a thriving food economy during a summit in Nairobi. While acknowledging current progress in boosting productivity and incomes for key value chains, the President emphasized ongoing challenges, including low coffee and tea production, limited market access, and high levels of food insecurity.

Ruto highlighted the expanding livestock and leather sectors, which have created more than 20,000 additional jobs, and the fisheries sector's growth in catch value and employment. However, he noted that coffee production remains at only one-third of its target, with less than 10% of tea exported after value addition. Moreover, commercial banks only lend around three percent of their funds to agriculture.

Recognizing the crucial role of water in boosting agricultural production, the President stressed the need to shift away from dependency on rainfall by investing in water infrastructure and irrigation. He argued that a reliable water supply would improve farmers' access to finance, enhance yields, and reduce food prices. Ruto rejected the notion of categorizing counties as "high potential" or "marginal," stating that every county has a role to play in Kenya's agricultural transformation.

The success of the new agricultural agenda will be measured by its impact on farmers and businesses, rather than the number of projects launched. The President urged farmers to treat agriculture as a business by adopting certified seeds, testing soil, keeping records, and joining cooperatives. He called on the private sector and financiers to view Kenyan farmers as bankable and encouraged young people to embrace agriculture as a modern enterprise capable of generating jobs and wealth.