William Samoei Ruto has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening the agriculture sector, describing it as a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy and a major driver of employment and poverty reduction.
The President noted that agriculture remains critical to ensuring food security while supporting millions of livelihoods across the country.
He emphasized that the government is prioritizing policies and tools aimed at improving farmers’ incomes and boosting productivity through innovation.
During a meeting in Rome with International Fund for Agricultural Development President Alvaro Lario, Ruto highlighted ongoing collaboration to expand financing for Kenya’s agri-food systems.
“Agriculture is a critical sector that secures our food security and is the largest employer in Kenya. Consequently, it is a major enabler in our fight against poverty and the efforts to accelerate development,” he said.
He welcomed the institution’s $40 million (KSh5.2 billion) investment in the dairy sector, terming it a significant boost to farmers and value chain development.
The President also commended IFAD for plans to roll out a second phase of funding worth $263 million (KSh34 billion) over the next three years, targeting small-scale farmers to enhance productivity and resilience.