The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development has launched a nationwide public consultation on a proposed digital agriculture policy and accompanying bill aimed at overhauling how agricultural data is managed and shared in Kenya.
The exercise, which started Monday, seeks input from citizens and stakeholders across the country, with submissions open until March 27, 2026.
The initiative is part of the government’s wider effort to modernise data systems and strengthen coordination across the agricultural sector. According to the ministry, the public participation process aligns with Article 10 of the Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to contribute to the development of laws and public policies.
Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mutahi Kagwe, urged individuals, institutions, and organisations to provide feedback on the proposed policy and legislation. “We invite all Kenyans to submit comments and suggestions that will help shape a robust framework for digital agriculture,” he said.
The proposed policy is designed to provide an overarching guide for digital transformation within the sector. It outlines how agricultural data and information systems should be collected, managed, shared, and governed, while also setting up coordination structures for institutions involved in agricultural information management.
Officials say the policy aims to explain the strategic rationale for digital interventions and establish governance mechanisms that enable better coordination of data across government agencies, research institutions, farmers, and private sector stakeholders.
Complementing the policy is the Draft Digital Agricultural Information Bill, 2026, which proposes the creation of the Kenya Agricultural Digital Information Centre (KADIC). This new institution would serve as a national hub for agricultural data, managing information systems and supporting evidence-based decision-making.
“The centre will enhance the collection, storage, and sharing of agricultural data while supporting digital innovations that improve productivity, research, and planning across the sector,” the ministry said.
Members of the public can submit their views through multiple channels. Written submissions can be delivered to the ministry’s offices, sent by courier or postal services, or submitted electronically via designated ministry email addresses. To support informed contributions, the ministry has made the draft policy, draft bill, and a comment matrix available for download on its website.
The consultation process will also include physical engagement meetings in 14 regions across the country. These meetings will allow farmers, agricultural organisations, researchers, and the general public to discuss the proposals directly. Officials encourage all stakeholders to attend the regional consultations according to the published schedule.
Agriculture remains a critical sector of Kenya’s economy, employing millions of people and contributing to national food security and exports. Government officials note that improving digital data management could strengthen planning, monitor production more effectively, and support evidence-based policy decisions.
The feedback gathered during this exercise will inform the final versions of the policy and bill, ensuring they meet the needs of Kenya’s agricultural sector and the interests of citizens nationwide.