The Kenyan National Treasury has announced that the country has secured a Ksh270 million grant, equivalent to US$2.08 million, from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This funding will support the Climate Smart Agribusiness Partnerships for Resilience (CSAPR) programme, a multi-sectoral initiative aimed at strengthening climate resilience and agricultural productivity. The grant agreement was signed by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.
The funds will be channeled through the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), which has a long-standing partnership with Kenya on agricultural transformation. This partnership aims to improve the country's agricultural sector, which has been affected by severe climatic challenges, including droughts, heatwaves, and floods linked to El Niño. These challenges have constrained staple production, such as maize and milk.
The grant is intended to complement the Integrated Natural Resources Management Programme (INReMP), a government-led effort that integrates climate information systems into agricultural value chains. Through this system, farmers will gain access to real-time climate data, enabling them to manage risks and improve yields. This initiative is expected to enhance the country's agricultural productivity and resilience to climate change.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation supports a range of projects in Kenya, spanning health, sanitation, gender equality, and financial services, alongside its agricultural initiatives. The foundation's engagement in Kenya is part of its broader efforts to support sustainable development and poverty reduction in the country. Earlier in 2026, the Kenya Medical Research Institute received Ksh516 million from the foundation to lead an African women’s health research programme.
Additional foundation funding targets maternal health, immunisation, and child health research, including efforts to track maternal and infant mortality. This support is crucial in addressing the country's health challenges and improving the well-being of its citizens. The Gates Foundation's investments in Kenya's health sector are expected to have a positive impact on the country's health outcomes.
The CSAPR programme is a key initiative aimed at supporting climate-resilient agriculture in Kenya. By providing farmers with access to real-time climate data and other support services, the programme is expected to enhance the country's agricultural productivity and resilience to climate change. This is critical in ensuring food security and sustainable livelihoods for Kenyan farmers.
The Kenyan government has welcomed the grant, citing its importance in supporting the country's agricultural sector. The government has committed to implementing the programme in partnership with the Gates Foundation and other stakeholders. The programme's success is expected to contribute to the country's sustainable development goals and poverty reduction efforts.
Key points
- The grant will support the Climate Smart Agribusiness Partnerships for Resilience (CSAPR) programme.
- The funds will be channeled through the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).
- The programme aims to enhance climate resilience and agricultural productivity in Kenya.
