Exclusive: Kenya’s Agriculture at Crossroads – Govt. Insider Exposes Climate & Policy Crisis! In a special talk with WNN, Govt. insider Ms. Philis Wangre Njane exposes these issues and outlines urgent solutions. She also acknowledges India and AARDO’s support in strengthening Kenya’s agricultural resilience.
5 min read
Reference Photo: Khalid & Nurrow Hassan, farmers in Takaba, Mandera County are part of the transformative 'Vijana in Kilimobizz' a partnership between WFP, Kenya & the Mastercard Foundation. (Photo Credit: X @LaurenLandis1)
NEW DELHI, INDIA/ NAIROBI, KENYA: The African Union (AU) Summit 2025 in Ethiopia reaffirmed the commitment of African nations to tackling pressing issues such as climate change, food security, and sustainable trade. Kenya, as a key player in East Africa’s agricultural sector, faces significant challenges that require immediate policy and strategic intervention.
In an exclusive interview, Ms. Philis Wangre Njane, a Kenyan government representative and agricultural expert, delivers a hard-hitting analysis of Kenya’s agricultural crisis, the impact of climate change, the need for policy reforms, and the role of international partnerships in securing food sustainability. She also acknowledges AARDO and the Indian government for their support and collaboration in strengthening Kenya’s agricultural resilience.
Kenya’s Agricultural Challenges: A Nation at a Tipping Point
Agriculture is the lifeline of Kenya’s economy, contributing over 30% of the GDP and employing nearly 40% of the population. However, the sector is increasingly under threat due to climate change, outdated policies, trade barriers, and weak technological adoption. Ms. Njane warns that without urgent action, Kenya’s food security and economic stability could be severely compromised.
1. Climate Change: A Silent Killer of Kenyan Agriculture
Kenya’s once-predictable weather patterns have drastically shifted, creating severe droughts, erratic rainfall, and rising temperatures, all of which have reduced agricultural productivity.
•Prolonged Droughts: Areas such as Turkana, Garissa, and Baringo have seen persistent water shortages, leading to crop failure and livestock deaths.
•Unpredictable Rainfall: Farmers struggle with disrupted planting and harvesting cycles, leading to low yields and food insecurity.
•Soil Degradation: Excessive land use and poor soil management practices have resulted in declining soil fertility, making it difficult to sustain high crop yields.
“Kenyan farmers are on the frontlines of climate change, yet they receive little support from global powers that continue to pollute and damage our environment,” Ms. Njane stated.
She emphasized that despite global commitments, developed nations have not fulfilled their financial and technological pledges to help African countries adapt to climate change.
2. The Technology Gap: Lack of Modern Farming Solutions
While agri-tech innovations have revolutionized farming in many parts of the world, Kenyan farmers remain largely dependent on outdated methods, making them vulnerable to climate fluctuations.
•Weak Irrigation Systems: Over 85% of Kenyan farms still rely on rain-fed agriculture, making them susceptible to droughts.
•Limited Access to High-Yield Crops: Farmers lack affordable, drought-resistant seeds, which could help mitigate losses.
•High Cost of Inputs: The soaring prices of fertilizers, pesticides, and machinery make farming expensive and unsustainable for many small-scale farmers.
“Technology is the key to food security,” Ms. Njane said. “We must invest in modern irrigation, precision farming, and drought-resistant crops to secure our agricultural future.”
3. Policy & Trade Barriers: The Need for Stronger Reforms
Despite having progressive policies on paper, Kenya’s agricultural sector suffers from poor implementation, weak funding, and restrictive trade barriers.
•Slow Government Action: Many agricultural programs are underfunded and lack continuity, leaving farmers struggling year after year.
•Heavy Dependence on Food Imports: Kenya imports significant amounts of maize, rice, and wheat, creating an economic imbalance.
•Trade Restrictions in Africa: Despite the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), many bureaucratic and logistical hurdles prevent Kenyan farmers from expanding to regional markets.
Ms. Njane strongly urged for greater government investment and reduced trade restrictions to empower Kenyan farmers.
“Africa must feed itself. Kenya has the potential to be a regional agricultural powerhouse, but we must prioritize self-sufficiency over imports,” she emphasized.
Path to Agricultural Resilience: Kenya’s Way Forward
Despite the challenges, Ms. Njane remains optimistic about Kenya’s ability to overcome its agricultural crisis. She outlined key policy and technological shifts that could transform Kenya into a sustainable agricultural hub.
1. Adopting Climate-Smart Agriculture
Kenya must accelerate climate adaptation efforts by:
✅ Expanding irrigation networks to reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture.
✅ Scaling up drought-resistant crops like sorghum, millet, and climate-resilient maize.
✅ Implementing soil restoration programs to improve long-term productivity.
✅ Promoting agri-tech solutions to help farmers track weather patterns and optimize yields.
2. Strengthening Agricultural Policies & Market Access
Ms. Njane stressed the importance of concrete policy actions to improve the sector:
🔹 Increase Agricultural Budget – Allocate at least 10% of Kenya’s national budget to farming and agri-tech.
🔹 Direct Subsidies for Small-Scale Farmers – Make fertilizers, improved seeds, and irrigation tools more affordable.
🔹 Enhance Regional Trade – Fully implement the AfCFTA to open new markets for Kenyan farmers.
3. Holding Developed Nations Accountable for Climate Justice
Kenya and other African nations are demanding climate reparations from major polluting countries to fund climate adaptation efforts.
•Pushing for Climate Financing – Developed countries had promised $100 billion annually for climate action in developing nations but have yet to deliver.
•Technology Transfer Agreements – Encouraging global partners to share agricultural technology and renewable energy solutions.
•Legal Action for Environmental Accountability – Some African leaders are considering climate lawsuits against major polluters to force compensation.
Acknowledging AARDO & India’s Support
Ms. Njane also expressed deep gratitude to the African-Asian Rural Development Organization (AARDO) and the Indian Government for their continuous support in strengthening Kenya’s agricultural sector.
“The Indian government and AARDO have been instrumental in sharing agricultural knowledge, advanced technology, and training programs, helping our farmers improve productivity and sustainability. This partnership is vital for Kenya’s food security,” she noted.
She emphasized the need for continued collaboration, particularly in areas like organic farming, irrigation technology, and rural development.
Ms. Njane ended the interview with a powerful call to action:
“Kenya stands at a defining moment. We can either take decisive action to transform our agriculture or continue struggling with food insecurity. We need government accountability, regional cooperation, and global support to secure our future.”
With AU 2025 on the horizon, Kenya’s agricultural crisis is not just a national issue—it is a global responsibility. The world must now decide: Will it stand with Kenya, or will it watch as millions of farmers struggle to survive?
Stay tuned for more exclusive insights on Africa’s agricultural and climate challenges.
– Dr. Shahid Siddiqui; Follow via X @shahidsiddiqui
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