Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Sen. Mutahi Kagwe has warned that acidic soils could significantly hold back Kenya's farm production. Speaking at the Nairobi International Trade Fair on September 30, 2026, Kagwe stated that 63 per cent of Kenya's soils are acidic, making soil testing crucial before farmers decide which inputs to apply. He emphasized that improving soil health must remain a central part of efforts to increase agricultural output.
To address this challenge, the Government has begun expanding the country's capacity to test soils through the national digital soil laboratories project launched on September 29. The project aims to establish a connected network of modern, fully equipped laboratories under the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization. These facilities will work with national and county governments, farmers, and private-sector stakeholders to make soil testing more accessible and process tests faster.
The Ministry of Agriculture is also using digital information to improve agricultural services through the Kenya Agricultural and Digital Information Center (KADIC). Kagwe stated that the center will coordinate agricultural data and technology, serving as the sector's "single source of truth." This initiative is expected to address challenges around farmer identification, access to agricultural advice, inputs, and markets.
In addition to improving soil health and agricultural data, the Ministry is partnering with Fahari Aviation, a subsidiary of Kenya Airways, to introduce drones that can be used to apply farm inputs with greater precision, monitor crops and livestock, analyze soils, and improve resource use. The drones will also assist in identifying pests, diseases, and risks associated with changing climate conditions.
The Ministry has also partnered with MPost to introduce universal digital addressing for farmers. This system aims to make it easier to identify and locate farmers, allowing extension officers and service providers to reach them more efficiently. It will also support access to finance, insurance, agricultural inputs, and markets.
Kagwe emphasized that the Government's focus must now be on putting various initiatives into practice rather than simply launching programs. He stated that "what matters now is execution." The agriculture sector recorded 3.1 per cent growth in 2025, despite farmers dealing with climate variability, increasing production costs, and changing market demands.
Climate change remains a significant threat to agricultural production, with droughts and floods resulting in long-term economic liabilities estimated at about 2–2.8 per cent of Kenya's GDP each year. The Government is seeking to use technology, data, and scientific farming methods to improve production and farmer incomes, with a focus on promoting climate-smart agriculture and trade initiatives for sustainable economic growth.
Key points
- 63% of Kenya's arable land is acidic, which could hinder farm production.
- The Government has launched initiatives to improve soil health, including the national digital soil laboratories project and the Kenya Agricultural and Digital Information Center (KADIC).
- The Ministry is using technology, including drones and digital addressing, to improve agricultural output and support farmers.
