Aasai

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has reaffirmed the governments commitment to agriculture, calling it the cornerstone of Kenya’s future prosperity, food security, and industrial growth. Speaking at his Karen residence during a meeting with state officials, Kindiki emphasized that revitalizing key agricultural value chains will boost household incomes and drive national development.

He noted that sectors such as tea, coffee, sugar, rice, dairy, cotton, and edible oils are critical to addressing the countrys top challenges—food insecurity, unemployment, and economic stagnation. Kindiki pointed out that recent reforms under the Kenya Kwanza administration have made notable progress, especially in maize, coffee, and sugar value chains.

Particularly in rice production, the Deputy President said efforts are underway to bridge the 800,000 metric tonne annual deficit, making Kenya self-sufficient in its third most consumed staple after maize and wheat. “It’s possible in a short time to expand rice acreage and close the gap,” he stated.

Kindiki also highlighted ongoing efforts to revive the sugar sector, referencing experimental success at Mumias now being extended to other factories like Nzoia and Chemelil. He underscored coffees economic value, calling it "Kenya’s gold," and emphasized the potential for global trade growth through strengthened agricultural systems.