In a powerful address to County Executive Committee Members in Naivasha, Kenneth Lusaka, the Chair of the Council of Governors’ Agriculture Committee, called on county governments to take decisive action to tackle the growing challenges facing Kenya’s agricultural sector. With agriculture contributing 33% to Kenya’s GDP and employing over 60% of the population, Lusaka emphasized the critical importance of the sector to the nation’s economy and livelihoods.
“Agriculture is the backbone of Kenya’s economy, and its future depends on how we adapt to new challenges and harness opportunities,” Lusaka said. “It is essential that we focus on sustainable solutions to ensure food security and economic resilience.”
Lusaka highlighted a number of pressing challenges, including the impacts of climate change, rising population pressures, and shifting global market demands. He urged county leaders to develop policies that address these issues effectively while also empowering local farmers to thrive.
Key among Lusaka’s recommendations were strengthened agricultural financing, food safety measures, and comprehensive land reforms. He emphasized that localized, needs-based policies were vital to overcoming these challenges and ensuring the agricultural sector’s sustainability. “We need policies that are not only relevant to our local contexts but also adaptable to global trends,” Lusaka stated.
The governor also cautioned against any attempts to recentralize agricultural functions, warning that such moves would erode the progress made under devolution and undermine county autonomy. Instead, he advocated for enhancing the role of County Agricultural Sector Steering Committees (CASSCOMs), which coordinate resources and plan agricultural strategies at the county level.
Lusaka’s address also highlighted the crucial role that donor support plays in agricultural development, urging county governments to align donor-funded projects with local priorities and ensure proper management and accountability for maximum community benefit.
In closing, Lusaka emphasized the need for collaborative efforts between county governments, Parliament, and other stakeholders to create an enabling environment for the agricultural sector to flourish. “The future of our food security and economic growth depends on the decisions we make now,” he concluded.
