Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has urged Kenya to embrace technology and data-driven solutions to unlock the full potential of its agricultural sector. Addressing delegates during the National Agribusiness Excellence Awards at the fifth National Agribusiness Summit in Nairobi, he said the time has come for the country to move from traditional farming practices to modern, technology-led systems that can guarantee better yields, stronger value chains, and more competitive markets.
Mudavadi revealed that his office, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and several international organisations, is developing a connected digital network to improve service delivery across the sector. The system will make it easier for farmers to register, access farm inputs electronically, receive technical guidance through e-extension services, and access real-time market data to make informed decisions.
“For agriculture to thrive, partnerships must deepen, and coordination must strengthen. The Government alone cannot achieve the transformation we seek,” Mudavadi said.
He called on private sector players to drive investment in production, processing, and logistics, while encouraging development partners to continue providing funding, training, and knowledge-sharing support. According to him, the agricultural revolution Kenya seeks will only happen if all stakeholders play their part with commitment and coordination.
Mudavadi also underlined the importance of devolved efforts, saying that counties are best positioned to implement programmes that directly benefit farmers on the ground. He pledged his office’s continued support to ensure effective coordination between national and county governments to bridge policy and practice.
“My Office remains committed to facilitating coordination across all these actors. We will continue to bridge the gap between policy and practice, ensuring that every initiative is aligned, efficient, transparent, and results-oriented. This approach will ensure that national ambitions translate into tangible benefits for farmers and rural communities,” he explained.
He challenged county administrations to invest in agricultural data systems that complement national platforms such as the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System and the National Farmer Registration System. “These will ensure that planning and resource allocation are based on credible data and that every farmer in Kenya is visible, reachable, and supported effectively,” he said.
Mudavadi also pointed out that innovation hubs and incubators will play a central role in connecting young entrepreneurs and agri-tech innovators to funding opportunities and markets. He said such spaces should be used to develop solutions that enhance productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, and create sustainable employment for young people.
He further stressed that Kenya must shift its focus toward processing and value addition, explaining that exporting raw produce only to import finished products is unsustainable. He said value addition will help farmers earn more, build local industries, and reduce the country’s reliance on imported goods.
