Kenya agricultural sector sees technological and financial expansion

Kenya is seeing significant developments in agricultural productivity through new financing models and precision farming technologies. The Co-operative Bank of Kenya has introduced a specialized financing solution for cereal and pulse farmers to address the high capital requirements of the industry. This facility is designed to help producers of maize, rice, wheat, sorghum, and barley acquire essential inputs and machinery, such as tractors, combine harvesters, and grain dryers, as well as invest in storage infrastructure to reduce post-harvest losses.

Simultaneously, the Galana-Kulalu farm is utilizing precision agriculture to enhance food security. Operated by Selu Africa Limited, the project integrates irrigation, renewable energy, and advanced technology, including agricultural drones and real-time data collection. This approach has achieved maize yields of up to 35 bags per acre, which is more than triple the national average. Selu Group plans a Sh13 billion expansion over the next three years to scale cultivation across its 20,000-acre parcel, testing the viability of technology-led agriculture to reduce import reliance and mitigate unpredictable rainfall.