Kenyan political parties are intensifying calls for reforms in the agriculture sector, with farmers' associations urging candidates to prioritize the industry in their manifestos. The push comes as input costs for fertilizers and seeds continue to rise, impacting small-scale producers.
Leaders from Azimio and Kenya Kwanza, including Raila Odinga and William Ruto, have been campaigning across the country, promising to tackle sector-specific issues. Both candidates pledged in their 2022 election manifestos to implement measures that would stabilize the national economy through agricultural development.
The Association of Smallholder Farmers (ASNET) has demanded that political candidates commit to reducing input costs and improving infrastructure. Dr. Bimal Kantaria, ASNET's chairman, emphasized that the sector's recovery depends on government support, including subsidies for fertilizers and machinery.
"This is the only way the sector can revive and provide sustainable livelihoods," Kantaria stated. The coalition, formed in 2020, has been working with the Ministry of Agriculture to address price volatility and supply chain disruptions.
Experts note that agriculture contributes one-third to Kenya's GDP, a figure enshrined in the 2010 constitution. Despite this, farmers continue to face challenges such as high input prices and limited access to credit. The ongoing pandemic has exacerbated these issues, with global supply chain disruptions driving up costs.
ASNET has proposed a 10% budget allocation for agricultural development, arguing that targeted investments would boost productivity and food security. The organization also called for public-private partnerships to modernize farming practices and reduce dependency on imports.
