The Government of Kenya has signed an agreement with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) worth US $262.6 million (approximately KSh 34.1 billion), to implement the Integrated Natural Resources Management Programmer (INReMP), an eight-year initiative to uplift rural communities through climate-smart sustainable agriculture.
The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
The programme, IFAD’s largest ever in Kenya, aims to directly benefit over 407,000 vulnerable rural households translating to more than 2 million Kenyans by enhancing food and nutrition security, building resilience to climate change, and promoting sustainable livelihoods. Special attention will be given to women, youth, and other vulnerable groups to ensure inclusive and equitable growth.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Agriculture Principal Secretary (PS), Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transformative agricultural reform.
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Dr. Ronoh said the programme will be implemented in 10 counties, including Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Kakamega, Kericho, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Migori.
“This investment aligns with our Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA) and underscores our determination to empower rural communities through integrated natural resource management,” said Dr Rono. “We appreciate the continued support of IFAD and other development partners and remain committed to ensuring timely and effective implementation.”
He said INReMP is fully aligned with Kenya’s development blueprint Vision 2030 as well as the Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS 2019–2029). The programme will focus on improving land and water resources management, enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting agroforestry, and strengthening rural enterprises and value chains.
The agreement was formally signed by the Cabinet Secretary for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, Mr John Mbadi, and Ms. Sara Mbago-Bhunu, IFAD Regional Director for East and Southern Africa in Nairobi, Kenya.
The ceremony was witnessed by CS Dr. Debora Mlongo Barasa (Environment, Climate Change and Forestry), PS Agriculture Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, alongside Principal Secretary for Interior and National Administration Dr. Raymond Omollo and Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr. Festus Ngeno.
The programme’s financing structure includes a blend of support from IFAD, the Government of Kenya, and private stakeholders demonstrating a shared vision and collective action towards sustainable development and resilience building in rural Kenya.
Once rolled out, INReMP is expected to contribute significantly to poverty reduction, food and nutrition security, and inclusive economic development for Kenyans.
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