The Government is preparing measures to cushion Kenyan farmers against the effects of drought and increasingly unpredictable weather patterns as concerns grow over declining crop production in some parts of the country.

Kenya Drought: Kagwe Unveils Measures to Cushion Farmers and Protect Food Security

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Sen. Mutahi Kagwe has assured Kenyans that the country will remain food secure despite prolonged dry conditions affecting maize production in several parts of the country.

Kagwe made the remarks after an assessment tour of Eldoret, Nandi and Trans Nzoia counties, where he evaluated the impact of the prevailing dry conditions on farmers, maize production and seed multiplication.

The CS acknowledged that changing weather patterns have negatively affected maize production in some areas, raising concerns over the potential impact on one of Kenya’s most important food crops.

However, he said the Government was putting measures in place to protect farmers from climate-related losses while ensuring the country maintains adequate food supplies.

Government moves to cushion farmers against drought

Kagwe said the Government would not turn its back on farmers whose crops have been affected by drought, noting that maize producers play a critical role in feeding the country and supporting the wider economy.

He said interventions were being developed to cushion farmers against the effects of climate change while strengthening agricultural production and protecting national food security.

The measures will be particularly important in areas where prolonged dry conditions have affected maize-growing regions.

The CS also sought to reassure consumers that the Government was taking steps to prevent food shortages and maintain adequate supplies of essential food commodities.

“We will not allow Kenyans to suffer from hunger because of the current weather conditions,” Kagwe said.

His remarks come as farmers in several parts of the country contend with inadequate rainfall and changing weather patterns that have disrupted normal agricultural production.

Drought threatens maize production

Maize remains one of the most important food crops in Kenya, making any significant decline in production a concern for both farmers and consumers.

Kagwe said the Government was closely monitoring the situation and would continue adjusting its interventions according to prevailing weather and production conditions.

The CS’s assessment in the North Rift region provided an opportunity to evaluate the impact of the dry conditions on maize farms and seed multiplication activities.

While the weather has affected production in some areas, Government officials maintained that the country has measures to prevent the situation from developing into a food crisis.

Kenya Seed maintains adequate seed stocks

Kagwe also commended Kenya Seed Company for maintaining supplies of quality seed despite the prevailing drought.

He said access to certified seed would remain a critical component of Kenya’s food security strategy.

The availability of quality planting material will be particularly important when farmers return to the fields following the current dry period.

Kenya Seed Company Chief Executive Officer Sammy Chepsiror assured farmers that the country has sufficient seed stocks despite the challenging weather conditions.

He also credited Government support programmes with helping farmers access key agricultural inputs and increase production.

Government intensifies war against counterfeit seeds

Kagwe used the visit to issue a strong warning against the sale of counterfeit seeds, describing the illegal trade as a major threat to Kenya’s agricultural production.

According to the CS, farmers who purchase fake seed may only discover the problem several months after planting, when crops fail to establish or produce the expected yields.

By then, farmers may have already invested heavily in land preparation, fertiliser, labour and other inputs.

Kagwe directed security agencies to intensify the crackdown on individuals and businesses involved in the sale of counterfeit seeds.

He also called on Members of Parliament to support legislation that would classify the sale of fake seeds as an economic crime.

The CS argued that counterfeit seed does not only affect individual farmers but can undermine national food production.

He described the practice as economic sabotage because of its potential consequences for Kenya’s food supply.

Farmers urged to buy certified seed

Kagwe urged farmers to be vigilant when purchasing seed and to verify both the seller and the source of the planting material.

Farmers were advised to obtain certified seeds from recognised institutions and authorised outlets, including Kenya Seed Company and KALRO.

The warning is particularly significant as farmers prepare for future planting seasons and seek to recover from losses caused by adverse weather.

Using certified seed can help farmers reduce the risk of poor germination, weak crop establishment and disappointing yields associated with counterfeit or poor-quality planting material.

Kenya’s maize production had been improving

Chepsiror said Kenya’s commercial maize harvest reached nearly 70 million 90-kilogramme bags last year, reflecting improvements in production.

He said this year’s maize crop had initially shown strong potential before drought conditions affected several major maize-growing areas.

The Kenya Seed chief nevertheless expressed confidence that Government interventions would help cushion farmers and ensure the country maintains adequate food supplies.

He also highlighted the importance of continued access to quality seed and other agricultural inputs in maintaining production.

Climate change is changing Kenyan agriculture

The current situation highlights the growing challenge posed by climate change to Kenya’s predominantly rain-fed agricultural system.

Farmers increasingly have to contend with irregular rainfall, prolonged dry spells and extreme weather events that can affect both crop establishment and final yields.

For maize farmers, the consequences can extend beyond a failed harvest. Lower production can affect household incomes, food availability, loan repayment and the ability to finance the next planting season.

The Government’s response will therefore need to go beyond emergency measures.

Greater investment in irrigation, climate-smart agriculture, improved seed varieties, agricultural insurance, weather information, extension services and water harvesting could help farmers become more resilient to future climate shocks.

Food security remains a priority

Kagwe maintained that the Government has measures in place to protect Kenya’s food supply despite the difficult agricultural season.

The Government will continue monitoring weather conditions and crop performance while adjusting its interventions according to emerging risks.

The challenge will be to protect farmers from immediate losses while building a food production system capable of withstanding increasingly unpredictable weather.

For Kenya, securing food supplies will require sustained investment in farmers, quality inputs, irrigation, climate information, technology and reliable agricultural markets.

The CS was accompanied during the assessment by Nandi County Deputy Governor Dr Yulita Mitei Cheruiyot, the Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer of the Tea Board of Kenya, and Kenya Seed Company CEO Sammy Chepsiror, among other national and county government officials.

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