Calls to modernise technology to secure Kenya's agricultural future

Stakeholders urge tech-driven farming to secure Kenya's agricultural future. [Courtesy]

Kenya must urgently bridge the climate resilience and technology gap facing its farmers if agriculture is to remain the backbone of the economy and fully capitalise on expanding export opportunities, stakeholders said during the China (Shandong)-Kenya Agricultural Business Matchmaking Conference.

While the sector has rebounded in recent years, supported by improved weather, fertiliser subsidies and increased production of maize, dairy and export crops, industry leaders warned that climate change, soil degradation and limited access to modern farming technologies continue to threaten long-term food security and growth.

Addressing the conference, Richard Ndungu, chairman of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Kiambu County chapter and national chairperson of the Kenya-China (Asia) Trade and Investment Promotion Initiative, said Kenya-China relations have evolved beyond traditional trade into broader investment and technology partnerships.

"The expanded zero-tariff access into the Chinese market presents unprecedented opportunities for Kenyan exporters. Our responsibility now is to ensure Kenyan businesses meet international quality standards, maintain consistent supply and build trusted commercial partnerships," he said.

Agriculture contributes nearly one-fifth of Kenya's gross domestic product, employs more than 40 per cent of the workforce and remains the primary source of livelihoods for millions of rural households. However, erratic rainfall, declining soil fertility, invasive pests and an ageing farming population continue to undermine productivity.

Participants said Kenya must accelerate the adoption of climate-smart agriculture, strengthen technology transfer and invest in value addition to remain competitive in global markets.

Ndungu said Shandong Province offers significant market potential for premium Kenyan products, including tea, coffee, avocados, macadamia nuts, mangoes, pineapples, passion fruits and fresh horticultural produce.

He said stronger collaboration between farmers, exporters and investors would be key to converting these opportunities into sustainable economic gains.

Delegates noted that China's recently implemented zero-duty market access arrangement for African countries allows about 98.2 per cent of eligible Kenyan products to enter the Chinese market tariff-free, creating an opportunity to boost exports and reduce Kenya's trade imbalance.

However, they cautioned that expanded market access alone will not deliver results unless production challenges linked to climate change are addressed.

A major focus of the conference was accelerating climate-smart technologies for smallholder farmers. Through the FAO-China South-South Cooperation Programme, China is working with the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) to introduce innovations aimed at improving productivity while conserving natural resources.

These include drought-tolerant crop varieties, bio-fertilisers that restore soil health, atmospheric water-harvesting technologies and modern farming practices designed to improve resilience to changing weather patterns.

Delegates also highlighted the Juncao Grass Project, which aims to establish about 100,000 hectares of climate-resilient livestock fodder in Kenya's Rift Valley. The fast-growing, low-water grass is expected to boost dairy productivity while creating an estimated 500,000 rural jobs.

Speakers also called for increased investment in agro-processing to reduce reliance on raw commodity exports, create jobs and increase farmers' incomes. Chinese investments in avocado oil processing, packaging facilities and agricultural logistics were cited as examples of growing industrial collaboration capable of strengthening Kenya's agricultural value chains.

KNCCI vice chairman for trade and economic diplomacy Shadrack Kiprono said the future of Kenya-China cooperation should be anchored on joint ventures, research, technology transfer, agro-processing and skills development.

"The future of our partnership lies not merely in buying and selling products but in creating value together through innovation, investment and knowledge sharing that uplifts communities and creates dignified livelihoods," Kiprono said.

He added that Shandong Province's expertise in agricultural mechanisation, food processing and innovation presents valuable opportunities for collaboration with Kenya's agricultural sector.

DongWritch Importers and Exporters Ltd was also recognised for supporting contract farming, farmer training, quality assurance and export logistics, helping connect Kenyan producers with buyers in Shandong Province and the wider Chinese market.

Stakeholders concluded that strengthening climate resilience, accelerating technology adoption and expanding value addition are essential for building a competitive agricultural sector capable of improving food security, creating jobs and positioning Kenya as a leading supplier of premium agricultural products to global markets.