Kenya to Import 25M Bags of Maize as Kagwe Unveils Youth Jobs Plan

 The Government is set to import 25 million 90kg bags of maize to bridge an anticipated food deficit and protect Kenyans from a possible shortage, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Sen. Mutahi Kagwe has said.

Kagwe said the Government had already begun making arrangements for the imports following reduced maize production in several major food-producing regions, with drought and other climate-related challenges affecting farmers.

Kenya consumes approximately 75 million bags of maize annually, but the anticipated decline in local production is expected to create a shortfall of nearly 25 million bags.

The CS assured Kenyans that the Government would take the necessary measures to maintain adequate maize supplies and prevent the country from sliding into a food crisis.

“We will import maize. We have already made arrangements for that. We will manage the country. The country is not going to go hungry,” Kagwe said.

He said the planned imports would help stabilise the market and protect consumers from possible price increases as the country deals with the projected deficit.

However, Kagwe stressed that maize imports are only a short-term intervention, with the Government pursuing longer-term measures to increase domestic food production and make agriculture more resilient to climate change.

Among the key interventions is the expansion of irrigation projects, including the Galana-Kulalu scheme, aimed at increasing agricultural production while reducing the country's dependence on rainfall.

Kagwe said the Government was also working with the National Treasury to address tax and bureaucratic challenges affecting farmers and agribusinesses.

He said creating a more competitive agricultural sector would encourage investment, improve farmers' incomes and strengthen Kenya's ability to produce enough food locally.

AgriConnect targets youth jobs

At the same time, Kagwe announced the launch of consultations for the AgriConnect Compact Programme, a new initiative expected to create thousands of employment opportunities for young people through agriculture.

The programme was unveiled during the Fifth Joint Consultative Meeting of County Executive Committee Members, bringing together national and county government officials as well as development partners.

Kagwe said AgriConnect would seek to transform agriculture from a largely subsistence activity into a modern, technology-driven and commercially viable sector.

The programme will be anchored on three key pillars: increasing agricultural productivity, promoting value addition and creating sustainable employment through agribusiness.

The CS said agriculture has enormous potential to provide jobs and create wealth for young people if the sector is modernised and supported with technology, financing and reliable markets.

He said the Government wants to change the perception that agriculture is only an option for those who have failed to secure other employment opportunities.

Agriculture should be viewed as an engine for wealth creation, investment and job creation, particularly for the youth.

AgriConnect will also promote the digitisation of agriculture, artificial intelligence and modern farming technologies as part of efforts to attract young people into the sector.

Kagwe said the use of technology could help farmers improve productivity, access information, connect with markets and make better decisions about their enterprises.

Agriculture programmes to transition

The consultative meeting also reviewed progress made under the Food Systems Resilience Program (FSRP) and the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP).

The two programmes are expected to transition into the AgriConnect Compact Programme, with stakeholders now working on a roadmap to guide its implementation and shape future agricultural policies.

Kagwe said consultations with county governments and other stakeholders were important in ensuring the programme responds to challenges faced by farmers and young people across the country.

The meeting brought together county leaders, agriculture officials and development partners, including the World Bank Group.

Kagwe was accompanied by senior government officials and governors, including Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka, Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi, Taita Taveta Governor Andrew Mwadime, West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin, Marsabit Governor Ali Mohamed and Garissa Governor Nathif Adam, alongside Homa Bay Governor Ochillo Ayacko and World Bank Group representative Ghada Elabed.

The Government says the twin strategy of securing immediate maize supplies while investing in irrigation, technology, value addition and youth-focused agribusiness will be critical in strengthening Kenya's food security and creating sustainable livelihoods.