Ruto: Kenya must end raw produce exports, push value addition
By Kiprono Keileb, October 1, 2025President William Ruto has said Kenya must shift away from exporting raw agricultural produce and instead channel resources into value addition and agro-processing to fully unlock the sector’s potential.
Speaking during the official opening of the 2025 Nairobi International Trade Fair at Jamhuri Park Grounds on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the President stressed that agriculture remains the backbone of the country’s economy, and investment in manufacturing is the next frontier of transformation.
“Kenya must end the export of raw agricultural produce and invest aggressively in value addition and agro-processing,” said Ruto.
Earlier, Ruto had stated that backing agriculture was key to lowering living costs, rather than relying on consumption subsidies.
The Head of State noted that the government has intensified interventions to boost farm productivity and improve farmers’ earnings. He pointed out that 12.5 million additional bags of fertiliser will be distributed in 2026 across all the nation’s 1,450 wards, supplementing the 4.5 million bags already availed for the current short rains season.
“These interventions are paying off. Maize output rose to a record 67 million bags in 2024. This year, we project an even greater harvest of 70 million bags. Maize imports have dropped by nearly 70 per cent from 9.9 million bags in 2022 to 3.3 million in 2024,” he said.
The President further highlighted progress in making affordable credit accessible to farmers. He announced that the Kenya Development Corporation had secured a KSh3.7 billion concessionary loan to support tea farmers under the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA).
He explained that the funds will be used to modernise machinery in smallholder tea factories, lower production costs, and diversify into Orthodox teas as a way of cushioning farmers against fluctuating global demand for Black CTC tea.
The President said these reforms will not only raise farmers’ incomes but also create jobs and strengthen Kenya’s place in international markets.
Other leaders present at the trade fair echoed the President’s message on the importance of agriculture in driving the economy. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe underscored the government’s commitment to supporting farmers, while Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Agricultural Society of Kenya National Chairperson Edith Onzere emphasised the role of innovation and partnerships in modernising the sector.
The Nairobi International Trade Fair, which draws exhibitors from across the region, continues to be a platform for showcasing advances in agribusiness, technology, and innovation.