Members of the National Assembly and Senate are advocating for an increase in budget allocation to the agriculture and livestock sector, citing its critical role in enhancing food production and reducing reliance on imports.
The appeal was made following a consultative meeting with state corporations and ministry officials in Malindi. Agriculture and Livestock Committee Chairperson John Mutunga, alongside Senator Hezena Lemaletian, underscored the need for more resources to support research, training, and sector-wide development.
Despite contributing about 25 percent to Kenya’s Gross Domestic Product and employing over 40 percent of the workforce, agriculture receives only about 3 percent of the national budget. Legislators warned that this mismatch is hindering growth in key value chains and could undermine the success of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
Current budget estimates indicate that the State Department for Agriculture has been allocated KSh 59.99 billion against a requirement of KSh 107.36 billion. Overall, the ministry has been allocated KSh 75.49 billion—equivalent to 2.7 percent of the KSh 2.8 trillion national budget.
Mutunga pointed out that Kenya spends more than KSh 500 billion annually on food imports, arguing that redirecting these funds into local agricultural development would significantly boost production.
“We must negotiate for a budget that reflects the importance of agriculture. If we are to reduce imports, then investing in local production is not optional,” he said.
He further noted that Parliament is currently processing several agriculture-related bills, including the Food and Feed Safety Regulatory Bill, which is expected to enhance regulation and growth in the sector.
Senator Lemaletian said the Senate is also reviewing multiple legislative proposals, some of which will be aligned with those in the National Assembly to streamline implementation.
“The legislations before us are aimed at strengthening agriculture and ensuring efficiency across institutions,” she said.
She also highlighted challenges such as understaffing in agricultural institutions and inadequate funding for agricultural education, noting that lawmakers are keen on addressing these gaps.
“We will lobby for increased funding to support students pursuing agriculture so that the sector has the skilled workforce it needs,” she added.
The legislators emphasized the urgency of shifting Kenya towards a production-driven economy, maintaining that increased investment in agriculture is key to achieving food security and sustainable economic growth.
By: Samuel Mwangi
