President William Ruto has stepped up his government’s push to transform Kenya’s agricultural sector, describing it as the backbone of the economy and a key driver in the fight against poverty.
Speaking after a meeting with International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) President Álvaro Lario in Rome, Italy, Ruto said Kenya is focusing on strengthening farmers through improved tools, better financing, and increased production capacity.
He noted that agriculture remains the country’s largest source of employment and a critical pillar for food security, making it central to national development priorities.
“Agriculture is a critical sector that secures our food security and is the largest employer in Kenya. Consequently, it is a major enabler in our fight against poverty and the efforts to accelerate development,” Ruto said.
The Head of State said Kenya is working closely with development partners to expand investment in agri-food systems, with IFAD playing a key role in supporting rural communities and smallholder farmers.
During the discussions, Ruto welcomed IFAD’s $40 million (about KSh 5.2 billion) support earmarked for the dairy sector, which he described as a major contributor to rural incomes and livelihoods.
He further praised the planned second phase of IFAD funding worth $263 million (approximately KSh 34 billion), which will be rolled out over the next three years targeting small-scale farmers across the country.
According to the President, the funding is expected to improve productivity, strengthen agricultural value chains, and boost earnings for farming households, especially in rural areas.
Ruto added that expanding agricultural investment remains a core part of his administration’s economic agenda, saying it will help increase food production, support industrial growth, and reduce reliance on imports.
The government continues to position agriculture at the centre of its long-term economic transformation plan, with international partnerships such as IFAD expected to accelerate reforms, financing access, and innovation within the sector.