President William Ruto has said the government has taken deliberate and decisive actions to revitalise the economy, emphasizing that agriculture remains central to Kenya’s growth agenda.
Speaking at the official opening of the Mombasa Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) International Show on Thursday, President Ruto underscored the government’s commitment to building an economy that works for all Kenyans.
“When Kenyans entrusted us with the mandate to lead our country three years ago, they did so with a clear expectation: that this government would take deliberate and decisive actions to spur inclusive growth and deliver real transformation from the bottom up,” he said.
Under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the President highlighted agriculture as a key value chain for improving food security, boosting productivity, and enhancing farmers’ incomes.
“Agriculture is the bedrock for enhancing food security, boosting productivity, lowering the cost of living, and expanding export capacity,” President Ruto said, noting that more than four in every 10 Kenyans work in the sector, while seven in 10 rural families depend on it for their livelihoods.
The President cited government interventions that have reduced the cost of staple foods, including maize flour, which has dropped from KSh250 for a 2kg packet in 2022 to as low as KSh130 this year. The price of a bag of maize has also fallen from KSh5,500 to KSh3,500.
He highlighted efforts to digitise farmer registration through the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System, which has grown from fewer than 300,000 registered farmers in 2022 to over 7 million today. The system facilitates access to subsidised fertilisers, credit, insurance, and markets.
President Ruto also pointed to the government’s fertiliser subsidy programme, which has distributed more than 21 million bags of fertiliser, saving farmers KSh105 billion and reducing import dependence. Maize harvests have increased from 44 million bags in 2022 to 67 million in 2024, a 70 per cent reduction in imports.
Cash crops
On cash crops, he said tea production grew by 12%, raising earnings from KSh154 billion in 2022 to KSh215 billion in 2024, while coffee production is recovering with exports projected to rise from 48,000 to 60,000 metric tonnes this year. The Coffee Revitalisation Programme has distributed 50,000 seedlings in four emerging counties.
President Ruto further highlighted progress in edible oils, livestock, and veterinary services, including a 90 per cent expansion of land under oil crops and vaccination of nearly 8 million animals. Leather and meat exports grew by 56 per cent and 45 per cent, respectively, while 2.7 million pastoralist animals have been insured.
Among those present at the event were Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Nassir, Senate Speaker Amason Kingi, Sports CS Salim Mvurya, and ASK officials.
