Kenya President Ruto outlines agricultural strategy to cut food imports

President William Ruto has outlined a comprehensive strategy to transform Kenya’s agricultural sector, focusing on reducing the national food import bill and enhancing domestic production. During the Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Summit, Ruto emphasized the need to increase local production of commodities such as edible oils, wheat, rice, and sugar to lower costs for citizens, many of whom spend over half their income on food.

To address milk shortages exacerbated by drought, the President directed the importation of improved camel and buffalo breeds to diversify dairy sources. In the sugar sector, Ruto aims to increase production to one million tonnes by 2027 and has announced Ksh1.2 billion in farmer bonuses. He also highlighted the government’s fertilizer subsidy program, which has reduced costs for a 50kg bag from Sh7,000 to Sh2,000.

Infrastructure and value addition remain key priorities. Ruto called for increased investment in irrigation to reach 2.5 million acres and urged a shift from exporting raw materials to local processing. Additionally, in Trans Nzoia County, the government is nearing completion of the Endebess Sub-County Hospital Mother and Child Complex, which is expected to be finished by the end of 2026 to improve maternal and newborn healthcare.