The national government and Council of Governors (COG) have agreed to fast-track a bold initiative seeking to transform the agriculture sector to boost food and nutrition security and strengthen farmers’ income.

During an inter-governmental forum in Mombasa, Governors and the Ministry of Agriculture unanimously settled on an inclusive approach targeting food production increase and improving financial status of the smallholder farmers.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja said the plan is further aimed to foster good relationships between the national government and counties, especially in terms of fast-tracking absorption of budget allocation and donor funds. In addition to harmonising policies and laws governing the sector.

The CS during the two-day high-level consultative meeting argued that even though agriculture is devolved, there is need for strong and receptive collaboration between the two levels of government for realisation of fine results.

“Following extensive deliberations, we agreed to our new approach that seeks to ensure devolved functions are fully actualised in terms of transfer and resource support,” said Karanja.

He said elaborate working formulas by the two levels of government targeting functions and resources as well as legal framework will be pursued to ensure the sector records impressive vibrancy in terms of food production and income to the farmers.

He added: “Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, in collaboration with the Council of Governors to hold regular intergovernmental engagements to foster a comprehensive and coordinated approach to transforming the agricultural sector.”

“Additionally, the Intergovernmental Forum for Agriculture (IGF-A) bringing together the larger stakeholders in the agricultural sector shall be held in February 2025.”

Going forward, value chain players, the two levels of government in conjunction with the private sector will push for an increase in technology use more so to tame the effects of climate change.

The CS noted that the sector has recorded significant gains since the Government renewed and intensified support to farmers in terms of farm inputs under the subsidised fertiliser distribution since the 2022/23 production year.

Governors demanded devolvement of the role of procuring and distributing fertiliser subsidy programmes to counties.

Muthomi Njuki, Tharaka Nithi Governor said agriculture is a devolved function and therefore procurement of farm inputs should be handed over to the counties.

Starting 2025/2026 financial year, the national government ought to release all resources factored in the annual budget as grants to counties to facilitate purchasing of subsidised fertiliser. The counties ought to be empowered in terms of farm inputs mobilising and management,” he said.

But Karanja assured that the ministry in partnership with the COG, shall reform the agriculture and livestock input subsidy programmes to clearly define the respective roles and responsibilities of the National and County Governments enhance efficiency, accountability, and effective service delivery.

According to Economic Survey 2024, agriculture sector real growth reached 7 per cent, a trend supported by Government intervention through the fertiliser subsidy programme and favourable weather conditions across the country.

The meeting also resolved that COG and State Department for Livestock Development will be entrusted with the responsibility of supporting the implementation of the feed lots, milk coolers and other livestock programs in the counties.

Ahmed Abdullahi, COG chairperson explained that the agriculture ministry and governors will fast-track actualisation of the Joint Agriculture Sector Consultation and Cooperation Mechanism (JASCCOM). Including institutionalization and operationalization of JASSCOM and CASSCOM the Joint Steering Committee for all the projects