NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 21 – Kenya’s agriculture sector recorded a 6.5 percent growth in 2023, but experts warn that sustained progress will require greater investment in climate resilience, subsidies, and insurance schemes, according to a report by the Institute of Economic Affairs.
The report attributes the sector’s expansion to favorable weather conditions, an increase in cultivated land as farmers anticipated higher prices, and government interventions such as the fertilizer subsidy program.
Agriculture remains a key economic driver, contributing over 20 percent to the country’s GDP and employing more than 40 percent of the population.
However, the report highlights risks that threaten future growth, including extreme weather, fluctuating input costs, and inadequate financial support.
It calls for increased budgetary allocations at both national and county levels to enhance food security and protect farmers from climate-related losses.
“Increasing investment in agriculture will be crucial in meeting the Malabo Commitment and ensuring sustainable sectoral growth,” the report states.
Experts also emphasize the need for improved seed and fertilizer distribution systems, alongside expanded crop and livestock insurance programs.
With over 80 percent of Kenya’s 47.7 million people relying on agriculture for their livelihoods, stakeholders stress that policy reforms and financial support will be essential in maintaining the sector’s upward trajectory.
