President William Ruto on Thursday highlighted government initiatives in agriculture, saying the sector remains central to Kenya’s economic recovery.
Speaking at the Mombasa Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) International Show, he pointed to subsidised fertilisers, digital farmer registration, and increased maize and tea production as proof of progress.
However, analysts caution that while production figures are up, many Kenyans continue to face high living costs, raising questions about how quickly these gains translate to everyday households. The President noted that the price of a 2kg packet of maize flour has fallen from KSh250 in 2022 to KSh130 this year, but some market surveys indicate that prices in informal markets remain higher in certain regions.
“More than four in 10 Kenyans work in agriculture, yet rural poverty remains entrenched in many counties,” said economist Dr. Esther Mwangi. “Government subsidies and digital platforms help, but structural challenges—like access to markets, storage facilities, and climate shocks—still limit farmers’ earnings.”
Ruto also highlighted growth in cash crops, including tea and coffee, and said livestock vaccination and insurance schemes are improving sector resilience. He cited figures showing tea earnings increased by 40 per cent and coffee exports rising from 48,000 to 60,000 metric tonnes.
While the President’s remarks emphasise progress, independent observers stress the need to track whether such interventions reach smallholder farmers nationwide, particularly in marginalised regions.
Among those attending the ASK show were Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, and Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya.
