Kenya has launched the World Agriculture Forum (WAF) Country Council. The move aims to accelerate the transformation of the agriculture sector. The council will also boost productivity, strengthen climate resilience, and link global innovation to local farming systems. The establishment of the council marks a significant step in positioning Kenya as a continental leader in agricultural innovation, particularly in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and bioengineering.

World Agriculture Forum Kenya Country Council Launched

Speaking during the event, Science, Research and Innovation PS Prof Abdulrazak Shaukat said Kenya must urgently scale both the quality and quantity of its agricultural production. He noted that climate change is already disrupting planting seasons. Trade barriers continue to constrain supply chains. At the same time, a rapidly growing population is increasing demand for food, placing additional pressure on the sector.

“These challenges call for innovative, science-driven solutions that can transform agriculture into a more resilient and productive system,” he said.

He added that the WAF Kenya Country Council will bridge the gap between policy ambition and on-farm reality. The council will create integrated investment pipelines that pair digital intelligence with biological innovation. The PS said Kenya is ready to lead what he called the convergence decade.

“The future lies in the synergy between digital intelligence and biological intelligence. AI can tell a farmer when to plant, but bioengineering gives that farmer the seed that will survive regardless of the season,” Shaukat said.

Shaukat added that the initiative aligns with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the AI Strategy 2025 to 2030, and continental frameworks such as CAADP and Agenda 2063. The focus is on delivering measurable outcomes, including increased yields, improved farmer incomes and socio-economic transformation.

WAF Global executive director Dr M J Khan said the forum will serve as a catalyst for shaping the future of global food systems. “WAF is committed to providing thought leadership and setting the agenda for food systems growth in the face of global challenges such as trade barriers, climate change and population pressures. Data is the new fertiliser, and through our global councils, we aim to harness it to drive smarter, more resilient agricultural systems,” Khan said.

The WAF platform will operationalise its mission through flagship initiatives. These include the Global Soil Health Coalition, the Global Digital Agriculture Council, the Global Sustainability Council and the Trade and Food Security Council. Each of these councils will focus on specific challenges facing farmers and food systems worldwide.

International Livestock Research Institute director general Prof Appolinaire Djikeng noted the importance of sustained collaboration in transforming agriculture. “This partnership reflects over a year of collaboration between WAF and ILRI, focused on advancing food security, improving agricultural practices and reducing poverty,” he said. “The launch of the Kenya Country Council strengthens our shared commitment to translating science and innovation into real impact for farmers,” he said.

WAF Kenya country director Oscar Magenya added that the launch marks a shift from conversation to implementation. “This is not just another council, but a mechanism to turn global best practices into local impact, driving higher productivity, improving farmer incomes, and building a more resilient, technology-powered food system,” Magenya said.

The launch also featured insights from industry leaders on how digital tools and innovation are already transforming farming on the ground. Market Farm Ltd chief executive Timothy Wanjohi emphasised the role of technology in improving farmer outcomes.

“We are seeing first-hand how digital platforms, AI-driven advisories and solar-powered solutions can reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access and increase profitability for farmers. The opportunity now is to scale these solutions and ensure they reach every farmer who needs them,” he said.

The WAF Kenya Country Council will focus on several key areas. These include building integrated pipelines for agricultural innovation, fostering public-private partnerships, and engaging county governments as key drivers of implementation. The council recognises that change happens at the local level. County governments are closest to farmers. They understand local challenges. They will be critical partners in rolling out new technologies.

By 2028, the council aims to establish a proven, scalable model. The model will connect global investors to local agricultural innovation. It will accelerate the adoption of AI and bioengineering solutions. It will also strengthen Kenya’s position as a hub for agri-tech convergence in Africa.

The first county council meeting will be held within 30 days. The meeting will set up technical working groups. These groups will focus on aligning regulations to support new technologies. They will develop financing models that make innovation affordable for smallholder farmers. They will also create safeguards to protect farmers while making AI easier to understand and use.

The World Agriculture Forum Kenya Country Council represents a new chapter for Kenyan agriculture. For decades, farmers have struggled with low productivity, poor market access, and vulnerability to climate shocks. New technologies offer solutions, but adoption has been slow. The council aims to change that.

By bringing together government, researchers, investors, and farmers, the council creates a platform for coordinated action. It moves beyond pilot projects and small-scale trials. It aims for systemic change that reaches millions of farmers.

The focus on AI and bioengineering is particularly significant. AI can help farmers predict weather patterns, detect pests early, and optimise irrigation. Bioengineering can produce seeds that are drought-tolerant, pest-resistant, and more nutritious. Together, these technologies can transform farming from a gamble into a science.

The World Agriculture Forum Kenya Country Council has ambitious goals. It aims to increase yields, improve farmer incomes, and build resilience. It aims to position Kenya as a continental leader in agricultural innovation. The work starts now. The first meeting is days away. The farmers are waiting. The council must deliver.

https://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/World-Agriculture-Forum-Kenya-Country-Council-Launched--1024x709.jpeghttps://farmerstrend.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/World-Agriculture-Forum-Kenya-Country-Council-Launched--150x150.jpegFarmersTrendFarming NewsWorld Agriculture Forum Kenya Country CouncilKenya has launched the World Agriculture Forum (WAF) Country Council. The move aims to accelerate the transformation of the agriculture sector. The council will also boost productivity, strengthen climate resilience, and link global innovation to local farming systems. The establishment of the council marks a significant step in positioning...New Generation Culture in Agriculture