Kenya Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development

Farmers are the golden goose of our nation, and safeguarding their welfare is paramount. Speaking at the 78th Annual General Meeting of the Kenya National Farmers' Federation( KENAFF ) in Thogoto,CS Dr. Andrew Karanja urged KENAFF to lead the way in farmer training, technology adoption, market linkages, lobbying, and capacity building. Under its 2022-2026 strategic plan, KENAFF is focusing on youth empowerment through its Young Farmers Department, promoting climate resilience through afforestation and biodiversity programs, advocating for farmer health insurance, and amplifying Kenyan farmers’ voices globally. The CS encouraged the federation to champion digital government initiatives like KIAMIS and the e-subsidy program to boost productivity and ensure no farmer is left behind. He also urged farmers to actively engage with ongoing projects and initiatives at the national and county levels to maximize their benefits. #BETAKILIMO #MkulimaKwanza

TEJATI, Driving Growth, Creating Jobs, and Ensuring Food Security through Innovation Kenya's greatest asset is its human capital, with the youth at the forefront of driving transformation. Agriculture, as the backbone of the nation’s economy, contributes significantly to GDP and presents vast opportunities for innovation and job creation. We are seizing this opportunity by leveraging technology and innovation to empower youth, women, and persons with disabilities, ensuring food and nutrition security across the country. CS Dr. Andrew Karanja accompanied the Chief of Staff from the Office of the First Lady who represented H.E. Mama Rachel Ruto for the launch of the "Transforming Ecosystems for Jobs in Agriculture through Technology and Innovation" (TEJATI) program. This ambitious initiative aims to create at least 500,000 jobs annually while driving sustainable growth in all 47 counties. TEJATI's bold vision includes scaling agribusiness ecosystems from 2,000 schools to 24,000 schools over the next five years, establishing cooperatives, aggregation centres, and promoting economic empowerment. With the potential to generate over 1.4 million jobs, this program is a game-changer for addressing unemployment and food insecurity while fostering innovation and inclusivity. We will remain committed to ensuring TEJATI reaches every corner of Kenya, including marginalized regions such as ASALs. The first phase of implementation is scheduled for 2025, with a steadfast focus on scaling the initiative to its full potential. The launch event brought together key stakeholders, including the PS, Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh ; UN Resident Coordinator, Dr. Stephen Jackson; Dr. Manu Chandaria, Chair of the Manu Chandaria Foundation; and H.E Ahmed Abdullahi EGH, Chair of the Council of Governors-Kenya, alongside other distinguished leaders. With TEJATI, Kenya is poised to redefine its agricultural landscape, harnessing innovation to secure food systems, create meaningful employment, and unlock economic prosperity for generations to come. #BETAKILIMO

International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI) ’s 50-year journey in Kenya stands as a beacon of transformation, empowerment, and strategic partnerships. In celebration of this milestone, CS Dr. Andrew Karanja joined Ethiopia’s State Minister of Agriculture, Hon. Regassa Fikru (virtually), alongside ILRI Board Chair Prof. Martyn Jeggo and CGIAR Board Chair Prof. Lindiwe Majele Sibanda, to honour ILRI’s remarkable achievements. Over the decades, ILRI partnership with the Ministry has revolutionized livestock systems by advancing research in genetics, disease management, and feeding practices, empowering pastoral communities through innovative initiatives like Index-Based Livestock Insurance. It has shaped national strategies such as the National Livestock Policy and the Dairy Master Plan. Furthermore, ILRI’s dedication to capacity building has nurtured a new generation of researchers, extension officers, and farmers equipped with cutting-edge skills and knowledge. We laud ILRI’s commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and resilience in building sustainable and future-ready food systems. As we celebrate ILRI’s golden jubilee, we not only honour its illustrious past but also embrace the promise of its future contributions. Happy 50th Anniversary, ILRI!

"Mchagua Jembe hula maharage." ????Hapa ni kazi tu! ????????Weekendi iwabambe #BETAKILIMO #MkulimaKwanza

A delegation from the Ministry led by Secretary Administration Dr. Joshua Chepchieng, who represented CS Dr. Andrew Karanja , launched tree-planting initiative at the Nthangu Forest Station, Makueni County. This event was hosted in collaboration with the Makueni County Government and key stakeholders such as the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) and the Towards Ending Drought Emergencies (TWENDE) Project, aimed to restore degraded rangelands and forests. The initiative is part of Kenya’s commitment to achieving 30% tree cover by 2050, as directed by H.E President Dr. William Samoei Ruto. Over 12,000 trees were planted, out of the expected 20,000 expected during the event, demonstrating a collective effort to combat climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve livelihoods through ecosystem restoration. Dr. Chepchieng emphasized the government’s dedication to environmental conservation and land restoration, aligning with global and regional targets such as the Bonn Challenge and the African Forest Restoration Initiative. He also highlighted ongoing projects in livestock development, food security, and climate adaptation. This initiative reflects Kenya’s determination to address the effects of climate change while promoting sustainable development through public and private sector collaboration. #BETAKILIMO

#BETAKILIMO #MkulimaKwanza #AgricultureKE

Significance of the 2024-2033 Kenya National Agroecological Strategy for Transforming the Food System (NAS_FST) #BETAKilimo

CS Dr. Karanja Launches National Agroecology Strategy 2024–2033 CS Dr. Andrew Karanja, accompanied by PS, Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, officially launched the National Agroecology Strategy for Food System. Transformation (NAS-FST) 2024–2033 at Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) HQ. The strategy marks a significant milestone in Kenya’s efforts to transition to sustainable food systems. Globally recognized as a transformative approach, agroecology addresses challenges in food production by promoting sustainable agricultural practices, preserving natural resources, and fostering climate resilience. In his keynote address, he emphasized the strategy’s objectives to empower farmers, preserve indigenous knowledge, enhance biodiversity, recycle nutrients, and integrate ecosystems into agricultural practices. The National Agroecology Strategy 2024–2033 sets a clear roadmap for achieving food and nutritional security while promoting ecological balance, ensuring a prosperous future for Kenya’s agricultural sector. #BETAKILIMO

CS Dr. Andrew Karanja today met Ms Lauren Landis, Representative and Country Director, World Food Programme - Kenya, at Kilimo House. They discussed the progress of the WFP's Resilient Food Systems Program in Kenya, whose aim is to enhance food security and livelihoods while promoting sustainable agricultural practices, especially in vulnerable communities. This program is designed to address the underlying causes of food insecurity and help communities adapt to climate shocks and other challenges. #BETAKILIMO

Caritas Nairobi is redefining agricultural empowerment, blending resilience, innovation, and the Christian value of hard work to empower farmers and transform communities. CS Dr. Andrew Karanja joined the Archbishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Nairobi, His Grace Rev. Bishop Phillip Anyolo, at Consolata Shrine in Nairobi, to unveil the ambitious Caritas Nairobi Strategic Plan 2024. As a beacon of hope and progress, Caritas has spearheaded transformative agricultural programs, including the Caritas Dairy initiative and the adoption of cutting-edge modern farming practices. Beyond this, Caritas continues to champion environmental conservation and uplift marginalized groups, embodying its mission of service and inclusivity. Speaking at the event, the CS urged the Caritas community to partner with the government in bolstering key agricultural sectors, particularly the dairy and coffee value chains. #BETAKILIMO