KENYA STRENGTHENS WHEAT INDUSTRY WITH NEW FARM-GATE PRICE AND PRODUCTION SUPPORT

Nairobi, Kenya – The Government of Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the country's wheat industry through a new pricing agreement and a series of interventions aimed at increasing local production, reducing import dependence and improving food security.

According to a statement issued by Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, the government considers the newly agreed wheat pricing framework a win-win solution for both farmers and millers. The agreement is expected to provide better returns to wheat producers while maintaining affordable prices for consumers.

The Ministry said the agreement was reached through a consultative process led by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), bringing together key stakeholders across the wheat value chain. Officials noted that the collaborative approach demonstrates how partnerships between government, farmers and industry players can protect local production, support the milling sector and strengthen national food security.

To further boost domestic wheat production, the Government has announced several targeted interventions. These include expanding crop-specific fertilizer subsidies for both small-scale and large-scale wheat farmers, accelerating the development and dissemination of high-yielding and climate-resilient wheat varieties through the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) and private seed companies, and promoting land commercialization initiatives, particularly in Laikipia County.

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Additional measures include expanding agricultural mechanization, strengthening the control of destructive quelea birds, discouraging excessive subdivision of agricultural land, encouraging long-term land leasing for commercial wheat farming and promoting climate-smart agricultural practices.

Although wheat production growth for the current season is now projected at approximately 5 percent, down from an earlier forecast of 10 percent, the Ministry remains optimistic that the interventions will significantly increase local wheat production in the coming years while reducing the country's reliance on imports.

The Ministry also commended the Agriculture and Food Authority, the Cereal Growers Association, wheat farmers and cereal millers for their constructive engagement in reaching the agreement, reaffirming the Government's commitment to building a sustainable, competitive and profitable wheat sector.

The latest measures form part of Kenya's broader strategy to revitalise its wheat industry, improve farmer profitability and enhance national food security through increased domestic production.

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