Why improving soil health holds the key to food security in Kenya

Workers plant maize on a farm in Njoro, Nakuru county. [File, Standard]

As the short rains approach in two weeks, Kenyan farmers are preparing their shambas with hopes of improving their yields to alleviate the rising cost of living.

However, hidden behind these efforts is the often-overlooked issue of poor soil health, which threatens to reduce productivity, increase food prices, and weaken climate resilience. If soil degradation is not addressed, the future of food security and livelihoods is at serious risk.