Ruto gives glimpse into his large-scale farming venture ahead of harvesting season
By Sharon Atieno, July 5, 2026President William Ruto has offered Kenyans a glimpse into his life beyond politics, revealing that large-scale farming remains one of his greatest passions whenever he is away from official duties.
Speaking while inspecting his farm on Sunday, July 5, 2026, Ruto said agriculture is more than a personal interest, describing it as a key pillar of food security and economic growth.
“So this is what I do when I am not doing the other job that Kenyans gave me. This I am also very passionate about, and I am very happy to be on the farm,” the president said.
Passion for commercial farming
Ruto explained that his farm is currently cultivating commercial maize alongside certified seed maize, detailing the specialised planting process required to produce high-quality seed.
According to the president, seed maize production involves carefully arranging male and female rows to encourage cross-pollination instead of self-pollination.
“We’ve planted commercial maize, but we are also now planting seed maize. When you’re planting seed maize, you plant six rows of what becomes female and then two rows of male. Six rows of female, two rows of male so that you avoid self-pollination. Instead, you use cross-pollination. The males fertilise the females and that is how you end up with a good quality seed,” he explained.
He noted that quality seed production is critical in improving agricultural productivity and strengthening the country’s food systems.
Food security is national security
The Head of State reiterated that agriculture remains central to Kenya’s economic transformation, saying food security is among the country’s most important priorities.
“Maybe more important than any other form of security. When I am not doing the job that Kenyans gave me, this I am also very passionate about and I am very happy to be in the farm,” Ruto said.
His remarks come as the government continues to encourage increased food production through the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, with agriculture identified as one of its key economic pillars.
Focus on implementing UDA agenda
The president’s remarks also align with his administration’s continued emphasis on implementing its development agenda through the ruling United Democratic Alliance (UDA).
Earlier this year, Ruto convened a National Governing Council meeting at State House bringing together all leaders elected on the UDA ticket.
The meeting, chaired by the President, reviewed progress in implementing the UDA manifesto under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda while receiving updates on the party’s grassroots elections.
The gathering also discussed strategies for strengthening the party ahead of the 2027 General Election, with leaders receiving a scorecard on government programmes and deliberating on possible political collaborations as UDA seeks to consolidate support across the country.