Agricultural funding in Kenya needs a boost, says Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa. He called for more resources for research, extension services, and farmer credit.

Agricultural Funding in Kenya Must Increase to Boost Productivity

Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has called on the national government to increase funding for agricultural development. He said adequate investment is key to making farming more profitable and sustainable.

Barasa urged Parliament to enact legislation that would guarantee sufficient funding for agricultural institutions. He said these institutions need resources to provide farmers with modern farming knowledge, extension services and technical support to boost productivity and incomes.

He also appealed to financial institutions to offer affordable and accessible credit to farmers. Improved financing would accelerate growth in the sector and ultimately boost food security, he said.

The governor spoke at the Agricultural Society of Kenya Kakamega showground. He said agriculture remains the economic backbone of the country and a key driver of food security and wealth creation.

His administration is taking deliberate steps to support farmers. These include strengthening extension services, promoting fish farming, and expanding dairy farming through the establishment of Smart Dairy Farms.

The county is also improving animal health services and supporting livestock commercialisation through the Kenya Livestock Commercialisation Project (KeLCoP). Barasa said research institutions help farmers to adopt modern farming practices and technologies.

He said his administration is also investing in roads, water projects and modern markets to make it easier for farmers to access markets and improve their incomes. Ongoing infrastructure projects are improving connectivity, expanding access to clean water and creating better opportunities for trade.

ASK Western region chairperson Purity Anyanje said the society would continue supporting farmers through learning and innovation platforms. National ASK chairman Dr John Kibira emphasised the need for sustained support to strengthen agriculture and improve farmers’ livelihoods.

The governor also rallied support for the protection of the Kakamega Forest. He announced that the county will host the World Tropical Rainforest Day celebrations on June 22, 2026. Barasa urged farmers to continue embracing innovation to boost agricultural production and economic growth.

On the 2026-2027 national budget, Barasa said the allocation of Sh428 billion to counties may affect service delivery. It could also affect efforts to employ Universal Health Coverage healthcare workers on permanent and pensionable terms. He called for increased funding to counties to enable them to serve wananchi more effectively.

Agricultural funding in Kenya has long been a subject of debate. The sector contributes about 22 per cent of GDP and employs more than 40 per cent of the population. Yet it receives only a small share of the national budget. Farmers struggle to access credit, extension services and modern technology.

Governor Barasa’s call for increased funding is not new. Other county leaders have made similar appeals. But the message is becoming more urgent as climate change makes farming more difficult. Farmers need support to adapt. They need irrigation, drought-resistant seeds and training in modern techniques.

The county government of Kakamega is doing its part. It is investing in infrastructure and supporting farmers directly. But it cannot do everything alone. The national government must step up. Parliament must pass laws that guarantee funding for agriculture. Financial institutions must lend to farmers at reasonable rates.

The agricultural funding in Kenya debate is about more than money. It is about the future of the country. Kenya cannot achieve food security without investing in agriculture. It cannot create jobs without a thriving farming sector. It cannot reduce poverty without supporting farmers.

Governor Barasa has spoken. The farmers are listening. Now it is time for the national government to act. The budget is being prepared. The decisions are being made. The farmers are waiting. They need seeds, fertiliser, training and credit. They need the government to invest in their future. Agricultural funding in Kenya must increase. There is no other way.

https://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Agricultural-Funding-in-Kenya-Must-Increase-to-Boost-Productivity-1024x683.jpeghttps://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Agricultural-Funding-in-Kenya-Must-Increase-to-Boost-Productivity-150x150.jpegFarmersTrendFarming NewsAgricultural funding in Kenya needs a boost, says Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa. He called for more resources for research, extension services, and farmer credit.Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has called on the national government to increase funding for agricultural development. He said adequate investment is key to making farming more...New Generation Culture in Agriculture