CS Kagwe Highlights Growing Losses for Kenyan Farmers Amid Drought and Pest Infestations
Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe warns drought, erratic rains, and pests are causing significant losses to Kenyan farmers and calls for stronger climate resilience measures.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 18, 2026
2 min read
Kenyan farmers are facing increasing challenges due to prolonged drought, unpredictable rainfall, and pest outbreaks, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has revealed.
Speaking during a forum in Mombasa, CS Kagwe emphasized that shifting weather patterns are threatening both crops and livestock, urging county governments to bolster preparations for dry seasons by investing in livestock feed reserves.
To mitigate livestock diseases, the government has subsidized vaccinations, reaching over 20 million animals with an expenditure of Sh429 million. However, climate disruptions continue to cause livestock deaths and crop destruction, putting farmers' livelihoods at risk.
Government Interventions and Support
- More than two million farmers have benefited from productivity-enhancing technologies through the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP) and the Food Systems Resilience Project (FSRP), both backed by the World Bank.
- Over one million farmers access government services, financial aid, and market connections via digital platforms.
- Approximately 7.3 million farmers are registered in the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System (KIAMIS) to improve data-driven support.
- Nearly 9,770 young agripreneurs have been deployed nationwide to offer services including farm visits, soil testing, livestock vaccination, and facilitation of market and financial linkages.
Calls for Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Farming
CS Kagwe stressed the need to transition from low-productivity farming methods to systems that can withstand climate shocks while enhancing incomes and employment opportunities.
He urged counties to prioritize investments that reduce vulnerability to drought and other disruptions, such as establishing feed reserves, expanding irrigation infrastructure, controlling livestock diseases, and improving market access.
The remarks were made during a joint national and county government consultation with the World Bank, focusing on reviewing progress and strengthening Kenya's food systems resilience.
