Weekly News Roundup Nō 48 / Nov 2025
Kenya Agriculture Update: Pest-Control, Reforms, and Affordable Farm Loans
Kenya’s agricultural sector is seeing significant developments this week, from innovative pest-control initiatives to calls for systemic reforms and more affordable financing for smallholder farmers. These moves aim to improve productivity, food security, and the livelihoods of farmers across the country.
KALRO Launches Pest-Control Project to Aid 40,000 Farmers
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), in partnership with the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and county governments, has launched a major pest-control initiative targeting smallholder farmers in Homa Bay, Nandi, Migori, Bungoma, and Kakamega counties. The programme aims to curb annual crop losses of up to 30% caused by pests like the Fall Armyworm and maize stalk borers.
The project promotes integrated pest management (IPM) techniques that reduce reliance on chemical pesticides, improve food safety, and support ecosystem health. Farmers will receive training through field demonstrations and community workshops on early pest detection, monitoring, and natural predator use. County governments will mobilise farmers and equip extension officers to support implementation.
FAO Kenya described the initiative as a critical step toward climate-smart agriculture, noting that success in these counties could pave the way for a nationwide rollout. Farmers, especially small-scale maize growers, hope the programme will lead to more stable harvests and improved food security.
Source: The Star, 26 November 2025
Agriculture CS Calls for Bold Agricultural Reforms
During the opening of the Intergovernmental Agriculture Forum (IGAF) 2025 in Naivasha, Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe urged Kenya to adopt innovative farming methods to secure long-term food security and economic stability. Speaking to delegates from all 47 counties, investors, NGOs, and development partners, he stressed the need for technology adoption across value chains, including digital soil testing, precision farming, irrigation, and climate-resilient crops.
CS Kagwe highlighted challenges such as limited mechanisation, underfunded research, and the impending retirement of key agricultural personnel. He encouraged stronger partnerships between county governments and the private sector to improve agro-processing, storage, and market access, noting that post-harvest losses continue to cost the country billions annually.
The forum concluded with a resolution to promote collaboration, research investment, and climate-smart agriculture, reflecting a growing commitment to systemic reform in Kenya’s agricultural sector.
Source: Eastleigh Voice, 27 November 2025
CS Kagwe Urges Lenders to Cut Interest Rates to 3% for Farmers
At IGAF 2025, CS Mutahi Kagwe called on financial institutions and donors to reduce farm loan interest rates to 3–4% to make credit affordable for Kenyan farmers. He warned that high borrowing costs and generic financing models prevent farmers from investing in seeds, fertiliser, equipment, and labour, limiting productivity.
The CS also proposed that at least 80% of donor-funded agricultural resources should go directly to farmers, with only 20% covering administrative costs. This approach aims to align financing with seasonal farming cycles and support smallholders more effectively. If adopted, these reforms could transform Kenya’s agricultural financing landscape, enabling farmers to produce more and access better markets.
Source: Citizen Digital, 27 November 2025
Conclusion
Kenya’s agriculture sector is evolving rapidly, with government and international partners working to improve pest control, drive innovation, and make financing accessible. For smallholder farmers, these initiatives could mean higher yields, improved incomes, and greater food security, key steps toward a more resilient agricultural future.