President William Ruto has appointed Cornelly Serem as the chairperson of the Agriculture Food Authority (AFA).
In a gazette. notice dated March 22,2 023, Serem's appointment will be for a period of five years.
Reacting to the appointment, Serem expressed his gratitude towards Ruto and pledged to discharge his duties to the fullest
"I thank you William Ruto for conspiring me in your government! Kongoi, I promise to discharge my duties to distinction," he said.
The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) is a State Corporation in the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives.
Its role is to regulate, develop and promote scheduled crops value chains for increased economic growth in Kenya.
The AFA Act created the Authority to put the Crops Act into action. The Authority replaced these institutions; Kenya Coconut Development Authority, Coffee Board of Kenya, Cotton Development Authority, Horticultural Crops Development Authority, Kenya Sisal Board, Kenya Sugar Board, Pyrethrum Board of Kenya and the Tea Board of Kenya.
Functions of the Agriculture and Food Authority in consultation with the county governments include; administering the Crops Act, following the provisions of these Acts and be in charge of selecting research priorities and providing general advice on research on agriculture.
Other functions are to regulate and promote best practices the production, processing, marketing, grading, storage, collection, transportation and warehousing of agricultural products excluding livestock products as may be provided for under the Crops Act.
Also, AFA collects and collate data, maintain a database on agricultural products excluding livestock products, documents and monitor agriculture through registration of players as provided for in the Crops Act, as well as advise the national government and the county governments on agricultural levies for purposes of planning, enhancing harmony and equity in the sector;
