President William Ruto has urged Kenya to stop exporting raw agricultural produce and instead prioritise value addition to fully harness the sector’s potential.
Addressing the official opening of the 2025 Nairobi International Trade Fair at Jamhuri Park Grounds on Wednesday, October 1, the President emphasised that agriculture remains the backbone of the economy, adding that boosting manufacturing is the next critical step for the country’s transformation.
“Kenya must end the export of raw agricultural produce and invest aggressively in value addition and agro-processing,” Ruto said.
The President said the government is stepping up efforts to improve farm productivity and increase farmers’ earnings.
He revealed that 12.5 million extra bags of fertiliser will be distributed in 2026 across all 1,450 wards, on top of the 4.5 million bags already supplied for the current short rains season.
“These interventions are paying off. Maize output rose to a record 67 million bags in 2024. This year, we project an even greater harvest of 70 million bags. Maize imports have dropped by nearly 70 per cent from 9.9 million bags in 2022 to 3.3 million in 2024,” Ruto said.
He also highlighted progress in expanding access to affordable credit for farmers. He announced that the Kenya Development Corporation had secured a Ksh 3.7 billion concessionary loan to support tea farmers under the Kenya Tea Development Agency.
“The funds will be used to modernise machinery in smallholder tea factories, lower production costs, and diversify into Orthodox teas to cushion farmers against fluctuating global demand for Black CTC tea,” he said.
Ruto added that these reforms will help raise farmers’ incomes, create jobs, and strengthen Kenya’s position in global markets.
Other leaders at the trade fair supported the President’s message. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe reiterated the government’s commitment to supporting farmers.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Agricultural Society of Kenya National Chairperson Edith Onzere emphasised the importance of innovation and partnerships in modernising the sector.
The Nairobi International Trade Fair continues to be a key platform for showcasing advances in agribusiness, technology, and innovation, attracting exhibitors from across the region.
