Kenya launches strategy to boost investments in agriculture

Kenya has launched a development strategy to help scale up investments in agriculture and outlines way forward to improve economic growth, reduce food imports, and boost nutrition.

The National Agriculture Investment Plan (NAIP), the core blueprint for revitalizing crop, livestock and fisheries production in Kenya, was launched in the capital Nairobi on Thursday.

The plan saw influential public and private sector partners agree on a roadmap for making crop and livestock production a powerful engine for economic growth in Kenya.

Speaking during the launch, the African Union Commission Commissioner for Rural Economy and Agriculture, Tumusiime Rhoda Peace, said the NAIP translated the continental and country aspirations into an evidence-based plan with clear targets, budgets and mutual accountability.

"It's inspiring to see such a diverse group come together to determine exactly how Kenya is going to generate the investments required to energize a sector that embodies the hope for a better future for all Kenyans," Peace told delegates.

Agriculture employs 75 percent of Kenyans but has yet to reach its potential to boost food security, nutrition and incomes, particularly for the country's poorest people.

Kenya's Agriculture Minister Willy Bett said government commitments were crucial, but creating a more prosperous, food-secure future for Kenya required a more entrepreneurial approach across the sector in production, processing, inputs and marketing.

"It's particularly important that we have a strategy that can drive greater investments from the private sector. This means attracting support for small and medium sized enterprises that can generate income and employment in rural communities," Betty said. Endit