Fixing agricultural productivity key to economic growth

One of the core promises of the Kenya Kwanza administration was that they would fix the structural problems plaguing the agricultural sector.. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

The rains are finally here! As everyone acquaints themselves with safe water harvesting technology, it is important to remember that one of the core promises of the Kenya Kwanza administration was that they would fix the structural problems plaguing the agricultural sector. This included subsidizing inputs like fertiliser, providing extension services, improve infrastructure for irrigation, and streamlining access to domestic and foreign markets.

It is fair to say that the Ministry of Agriculture has so far not put its best foot forward. The Cabinet Secretary promised to lower the price of staples in months, only for him to go silent on the matter - suggesting that he announced the policy without prior thought, research, or planning. This is not a good sign.