A Samburu pastoralist surveys the wilderness outside his home in Kenya’s Samburu region. (Photo: ILRI/Kabir Dhanji)
Kenya seeks foreign investment in agriculture for ASAL region development
Kenya is encouraging foreign investors to contribute to agricultural projects within the country's arid and semi-arid lands (ASAL), comprising 80 percent of its landmass, to enhance food security. Paul Rono, the principal secretary of the State Department of Agriculture, highlighted that the ASAL regions, though lacking in water, are fertile and capable of food production.
"We are fostering an environment that allows the private sector and foreign investors to invest in agriculture. This will bolster food security, generate employment, and augment income in these regions," Rono stated in Nairobi.
He added that the government recognizes the potential of the ASAL regions to produce food for both domestic consumption and export. The focus is on building resilient agricultural enterprises and creating sustainable food systems that not only cater to domestic needs but also enhance exports and reduce imports.
Rono disclosed that a national agriculture policy master plan for 2024-2034 is under development. This plan will focus on improving farmers' access to services, mechanization, and seed systems, and packaging fresh produce for export.
In 2023, the government leased 200,000 ha of land to increase food production. Rono also announced that Kenya will host the Financing Agriculture Sustainability Conference (FINAS 2024) in March to discuss investment strategies and funding action plans for the agricultural sector.
