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Kenya MPs Highlight Kenya’s Journey Towards Sustainable Agricultural Development

 

Kenya has progressively increased the budgetary allocation to agriculture to support value chain development and inclusivity in agriculture.

Speaking during the Africa Day for Food and Nutrition Security held in Lusaka, Zambia, National Assembly Committee on Agriculture Chairman John Mutunga said the Bottom-Up approach is about making sure that markets work, and more importantly, work for the poor.

He emphasized the Government’s push for a Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (Beta), which is focused on uplifting marginalized communities.

“Kenya has progressively increased the budgetary allocation to agriculture, emphasizing inclusivity and embracing digital solutions,” he stated.

The Tigania West MP further noted that Kenya is also progressively embracing digital solutions in a variety of sectors including agriculture.

He told participants at the Lusaka meeting that, the Ministry of Agriculture has so far registered over 6.3 million farmers, which allows the government to provide targeted interventions to ensure productivity.

“Kenya’s approach prioritizes sustainability, evident through increased climate action, water harvesting structures, and soil health improvement programs,” Mutunga noted, “Agriculture is both a polluter and a solution. Our focus remains on preserving the environment while boosting productivity.”

The House Agriculture Committee Chairman affirmed that the Parliament of Kenya has embarked on increasing budgetary allocation towards crop production, and systematic legislative reforms towards reduced production costs for better market access for Kenyan cash crops through legislation such as The Tea Act, and Coffee and Sugar Act.

“We want to sell our products as Kenyan brands, Tea, Coffee, etc. We also have created value chain-based financing possibilities thus increasing money to the sector,” said Mutunga.

Parliamentarians at the Conference also launched the Africa Food Systems Parliamentarian Partnership Network (AFSPaN) whose main objective is to support agricultural development through legislation, budgetary allocation, and oversight.

Mutunga highlighted the Parliament’s role in reducing production costs and facilitating market access through strategic legislative reforms.

Kenya’s commitment to regional trade integration is evident through standardized product offerings. Harmonizing standards and negotiating common external tariffs have boosted intra-regional trade,” he added.   

 By  LABAN WANAMBISI

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