Weekly News Roundup Nō 4 / Jan 2026
Kenya Plans Animal Feed Reserves to Reduce Drought Losses
The government plans to establish national animal feed reserves to reduce livestock losses during droughts. Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced the plan in Embu County.
Kagwe said Kenya should stop treating drought as an emergency. He noted that past dry spells killed more than 2.5 million animals and caused losses exceeding Sh50 billion. Most losses occurred in arid and semi-arid regions. According to Kagwe, predictable climate shocks require permanent preparedness.
The government will produce and store hay, silage, and other drought-tolerant fodder during surplus seasons. It will release the feed during dry periods. County governments will manage the reserves, while the national government will provide policy guidance, funding, and technical support.
Cooperatives will handle distribution to ensure timely access for livestock keepers. Early warning systems will support the programme and help prevent distress livestock sales and mass animal deaths.
The feed reserves form part of a wider livestock resilience programme. Other measures include structured livestock off-take schemes and expanded vaccination against foot-and-mouth disease and anthrax. Kagwe urged dairy farmers to focus on better feed quality and management instead of increasing herd sizes. He added that strong cooperatives and digital service delivery will support a more profitable livestock sector.
Source: The Star
Tea Factories Review Green Leaf Payments After Farmer Protests
Tea factories in major growing regions have started reviewing monthly green leaf payments following sustained pressure from farmers. Growers raised the issue during protests and annual general meetings last year.
Several factories in Embu and Nyeri counties under the Kenya Tea Development Agency have approved a payment increase from Sh25 to Sh30 per kilogram. The new rate will take effect on 5 February. Factories that have adopted the increase include Kathangariri, Mungania, Rukuriri, Chinga, Gathuthi, Gitugi, Iria Ini, and Ragati.
KTDA holding board leaders said the decision followed consultations and financial reviews. They said the higher payment aims to encourage farmers to supply quality green leaves to KTDA factories. Board members also urged farmers to follow recommended plucking standards to protect tea quality.
Many farmers welcomed the increase. They said it would improve household incomes and reduce reliance on expensive loans. However, some farmers supplying private factories raised concerns. They called for clarity on fertiliser support and bonus payments before implementation.
KTDA leadership said the review reflects farmers’ demands and ongoing efforts to protect grower interests. Some directors noted that other regions had already implemented similar rates, pointing to gradual payment harmonisation across the sector.
Source: Standard Media
EU-Backed Soil Health Programme Strengthens Climate-Smart Farming
Climate resilience dominated discussions across Kenya’s agricultural sector this week. Policymakers and development partners warned that climate stress now poses a long-term threat to food security.
An EU-backed soil health and agroecology programme provided Sh645 million in funding to support more than 45,000 farmers. Experts said recurrent droughts, erratic rainfall, and rising temperatures threaten rural livelihoods. Kenya’s heavy reliance on rain-fed agriculture increases the risk.
Stakeholders are calling for climate-smart solutions across the value chain. These include irrigation expansion, diversified cropping systems, and nature-based approaches that protect ecosystems. The EU-supported initiatives aim to improve soil health and strengthen farmers’ ability to cope with extreme weather.
Farmers in parts of Western and Coastal Kenya have already adopted adaptive practices. These include drought-tolerant crops, agroforestry, and conservation agriculture. Experts said such efforts need long-term investment and strong policy support to deliver a lasting impact.
Source: Capital FM