President William Ruto has announced a KSh850 million investment to modernise machinery and equipment in 17 tea factories across Kenya in a move aimed at improving production efficiency and increasing the value of Kenyan tea.
The President said the funds had already been budgeted for and made available, signalling the government’s commitment to strengthening the tea sector and improving farmers’ earnings.
“The money has been budgeted for and made available,” Ruto said.
In another major announcement, the Head of State revealed that the government had allocated 50 acres of land at the Dongo Kundu Special Economic Zone in Mombasa to the Kenya Tea Development Authority (KTDA) for the establishment of a plant.
Speaking on Friday during the final day of the three-day Agriculture and Food Systems Transformation Summit at the ASK Showground in Jamhuri Park, Nairobi, Ruto said ongoing agricultural reforms were beginning to transform farmers’ livelihoods and strengthen the country’s food production systems.
The President also highlighted gains in the dairy sector, revealing that Kenya’s annual milk production had increased from approximately 4.5 billion litres to 5.6 billion litres, making the country Africa’s largest milk producer.
Ruto attributed the growth to agricultural reforms, including the provision of subsidised fertiliser, which has helped farmers grow fodder and produce silage for their livestock.
He said dairy farmers were now earning KSh50 per litre of milk, up from KSh35 in 2022, an improvement he described as part of the broader gains recorded in agriculture over the past four years.
“Like we reformed the sugar sector, we are doing the same in the dairy sector and getting rid of those frustrating farmers’ efforts to increase milk production,” the President said.
The government has positioned agricultural reforms as a key strategy for increasing productivity, improving farmers’ incomes and supporting economic growth.
Meanwhile, Ruto assured fishermen and other stakeholders that all 41 fish landing sites in the Coast region had been officially gazetted.
The assurance followed concerns raised by farmers and other stakeholders over fears that some landing sites could have been grabbed.
The President said the gazettement was intended to provide clarity on the sites and address concerns surrounding their status.
In a further boost to agricultural diversification, Ruto announced that the government had dispatched at least 100,000 beehives to youth groups across the country.
The initiative is aimed at increasing honey production while creating income-generating opportunities for young people through beekeeping.
The move forms part of wider efforts to expand agricultural enterprises beyond traditional crops and livestock production.
World Bank Country Director for Kenya Qimiao Fan said agriculture remained central to increasing incomes, reducing poverty and achieving sustainable economic growth.
Other officials who addressed the summit included International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Country Director for Kenya Matteo Marchisio, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, and Tharaka-Nithi Governor Muthomi Njuki.
The three-day summit brought together government officials and agricultural stakeholders to discuss progress, challenges and opportunities in transforming Kenya’s food systems.
Ruto attended two days of the summit and also held a presidential town hall, where he responded to concerns raised by farmers on issues affecting the sector.
