Thursday, 07 November 2024 12:01

SECURING KENYA’S AGRICULTURE SECTOR THROUGH INTERGOVERNMENTAL COLLABORATION

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A two-day consultative meeting between the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and the Council of Governors (COG) concluded on October 29, 2024, in Mombasa with a renewed commitment to advancing Kenya’s agricultural sector. Led by COG Chair H.E. FCPA Ahmed Abdullahi and Cabinet Secretary Dr. Andrew Karanja, the meeting brought together County Governors and National Government representatives to enhance collaboration on crucial agricultural challenges. The event produced a 17-point communique designed to tackle issues like food security, input distribution, and policy harmonization.
In his address, CoG Chair emphasized the vital role of agriculture in Kenya’s economy, which contributes 27% to GDP and is a major employer. “This forum is a unique opportunity for the National and County Governments to come together and discuss ways of supporting our agriculture sector,” he stated. Governor Abdullahi highlighted the need for intergovernmental cooperation to implement transformative programs like the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), aimed at sustainable food security.
One key resolution was the regular use of the Joint Agriculture Sector Consultation and Cooperative Mechanism (JASCCOM) to unify efforts between the Ministry and CoG. Through JASCCOM, County and National Governments will address agricultural challenges, foster consistent communication and alignment across all levels.
The Ministry and CoG also resolved to devolve the procurement and distribution of subsidized fertilizer to counties by the 2025/26 fiscal year. Governor Ahmed Abdullahi advocated for this shift, arguing, “Fertilizer programs should be a devolved function, as counties are best positioned to understand and meet the specific needs of their farmers.” Counties will receive resources as conditional grants, allowing them to streamline input distribution and ensure timely delivery.
The Ministry pledged to support livestock programs by facilitating counties to implement initiatives such as feedlots, milk coolers, and enhanced disease control measures. H.E. Rt. Hon. Ken Lusaka, Chair of the CoG Agriculture Committee, emphasized the need for a collaborative framework for livestock programs, stating, “An agreed framework for implementing livestock programs will foster synergy, ensuring counties and the Ministry work seamlessly to boost productivity and improve farmers' income.”
Recognizing the challenge posed by excessive subdivision of farmland, stakeholders prioritized the creation of a National Policy on Land Subdivision, intended to preserve agricultural land and enhance food security. The Ministry and CoG also agreed to enforce potato packaging standards, promoting fair trade practices across the value chain.
To further align with BETA’s goals, the meeting supported the agripreneur model, which encourages youth involvement in agriculture through entrepreneurial opportunities. Dr. Karanja highlighted the importance of extension services, urging counties to use innovative approaches to modernize farming and engage the youth.
Additionally, participants agreed to integrate BETA targets into County Integrated Development Plans (CIDPs), ensuring that each county has specific goals aligned with national priorities. CoG Chair noted, “This integration will allow us to maximize impact, reduce duplication, and create a more resilient agricultural sector.”
The meeting ended with a strong sense of commitment to action. Agriculture CS affirmed the Ministry's dedication to providing the necessary support to counties, and regular follow-up meetings will be held to ensure these resolutions are implemented. This collaboration sets a clear path toward a more robust and sustainable agricultural sector in Kenya, a vital step toward securing food security and economic growth.

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