Weekly News Roundup Nō 1 / Feb 2026

Kenya’s agricultural sector had a notably active week. Policy reforms, climate-smart innovation, digital transformation, and public-sector hiring made headlines. Proposed tax cuts could free billions of shillings for farmers and exporters. At the same time, new technologies aim to reduce food imports.

Together, these stories show a sector in transition. Kenya’s agriculture industry now focuses more on competitiveness, sustainability, and long-term resilience.

Here is a roundup of the key agriculture and agribusiness developments you should know.

Farmers and Exporters Set to Save Billions Under Proposed Tax Reforms

Kenyan farmers and agricultural exporters could soon receive significant relief under proposals in the Finance Bill 2026. The government plans to reduce input VAT for agricultural exporters from 16 per cent to 8 per cent. This move targets export-oriented sectors such as horticulture, tea, coffee, and livestock. Lowering VAT would reduce production costs and ease long-standing cash flow pressures.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said delayed VAT refunds have strained exporters for years. Many firms have waited months, and sometimes years, for refunds. This delay has tied up working capital instead of supporting farms and factories.

Beyond the VAT reduction, the Bill proposes:

  • Removal of excise duty and export promotion levies on key packaging materials
  • Faster offsetting of VAT refunds against future tax obligations
  • Preferential treatment for long-established exporters that sell 100 per cent of their output overseas, similar to EPZ and SEZ firms
  • VAT exemptions on local purchases such as seeds and fertiliser

The government also plans to expand air freight capacity through Kenya Airways and other international carriers. The goal is to improve logistics for perishable exports.

If Parliament passes the Bill, exporters could unlock billions of shillings currently tied up in tax obligations. The reforms could also boost competitiveness and strengthen foreign exchange earnings.

Source: Nation Africa

Climate-Smart Innovation Turns Banana Waste into Value-Added Products

Innovation in Kenya’s agricultural value chains also featured prominently this week. A climate-smart venture showed how agricultural waste can generate income.

A Nation Africa feature highlighted Ziada Solutions, co-founded by Samuel Thuo and Alex Gotley. The company converts banana plant stems, often discarded after harvest, into fibres. These fibres go into hair extensions, paper, and household products.

The venture began operations in Taita-Taveta County in 2023. It later expanded to Kiambu and Nairobi.

Ziada Solutions works closely with the Taita-Taveta Banana Cooperative Society, which represents about 600 farmers. The company buys banana stems at above-market prices. This approach has created a new income stream for farmers and improved cash flow between harvests.

The project has also created employment opportunities. Many women and youth now work in weaving and fibre processing. For farmers, materials once seen as waste now provide a reliable source of income.

The initiative reflects a broader shift toward circular economy practices in Kenyan agriculture. It reduces waste, improves resilience, and adds value at the farm gate while addressing environmental concerns.

Source: Nation Africa

Government Ramps Up Technology to Boost Food Security and Cut Imports

Technology-driven agriculture took centre stage in Mombasa this week. The government outlined plans to modernise food production and reduce reliance on imports.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said technology will anchor Kenya’s food security strategy. The Kenya Agricultural Digital Information Centre now manages the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management Information System. The platform has registered 7.2 million farmers.

Of these, 5.5 million farmers already receive mobile-based agronomy, weather, and market advice. The next phase will integrate artificial intelligence and Internet of Things technologies. These tools will help map soils nationwide and close extension service gaps.

Kagwe warned that Kenya’s Sh500 billion annual food import bill remains unsustainable. He said heavy reliance on imports weakens national food sovereignty.

The government also supports major World Bank-backed initiatives, including:

  • The National Value Chain Development Project
  • The Food Systems Resilience Project

Together, these projects are valued at Sh49.5 billion. They aim to boost production of maize, rice, wheat, sorghum, and palm oil. Improved livestock feeding, breeding, vaccination, and traceability systems also form part of the strategy.

Source: The Star

Ministry of Agriculture Advertises 354 Job Vacancies

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development announced 354 job openings this week, providing a significant employment opportunity within the agricultural sector. The positions will be issued on one-year contract terms, reflecting the government’s continued efforts to strengthen service delivery, support livestock development programs, and create job opportunities within the public sector.

The vacancies cover several roles. These include clerical officers, drivers, artisans, and animal husbandry assistants. Applicants must submit their applications using the Public Service Commission (PSC2) form. The ministry set the submission deadline for 5:00 p.m. on February 28, 2026. Applicants must deliver completed forms to Kilimo House in Nairobi.

The ministry has stressed that the recruitment process is free of charge. Officials have also warned job seekers to be cautious of fraudulent job advertisements.

Source: The Star

Final Takeaway

This week’s developments point to a clear direction for Kenyan agriculture. Policymakers aim to lower costs through tax reform. The government is pushing technology to improve productivity and food security. Innovators continue to show how sustainability can drive income growth. Public-sector hiring also aims to strengthen service delivery.

If implementation matches intent, these initiatives could strengthen value chains, raise farmer incomes, and improve resilience against climate and global market pressures.

Policy execution will remain critical. Still, this week’s signals suggest momentum is building.

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