The private sector has been urged to step up innovations to help farmers in Kenya. President Uhuru Kenyatta has challenged the sector to step up groundbreaking innovations such as new forms of capital and insurance, new ways of getting farmers the information they need and new and affordable technology that directly contributes to improved farm production, given that the nation is technologically adept.
Speaking at the Nairobi International Trade Fair, President Kenyatta said Kenya is the undisputable regional hub of innovation especially in regard to digital technology, “Nearly 25% of all African technology start-ups are initiated and hosted here in Kenya,” he said. He added that we are well positioned to lead in technology innovation in Trade and Agriculture, with a mobile penetration of nearly 90% and with 70% of the population connected to financial services predominantly through mobile money platforms.
The President reiterated that innovation and technology in Trade and Agriculture are a cornerstone of the government’s commitment to job creation through manufacturing and ensuring there is food security. The Trade Fair started on Monday but was officially opened by the President on Thursday, with this year’s theme being ‘Innovation and Technology in Agriculture and Trade.’