The Government of Kenya Monday signed an agreement with the
International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) worth US $262.6 million
(approximately Sh34.1 billion), to implement the Integrated Natural Resources
Management Programme (INReMP).
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Agriculture Principal
Secretary Kipronoh Ronoh reaffirmed the government’s commitment to transformative
agricultural reform.
Dr. Ronoh said the programme will be implemented in 10
counties, including Elgeyo Marakwet, West Pokot, Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Nandi,
Kakamega, Kericho, Kisumu, Homa Bay and Migori.
“This investment aligns with our Bottom-Up Economic
Transformation Agenda (BETA) and underscores our determination to empower rural
communities through integrated natural resource management.
"We appreciate the continued support of IFAD and other
development partners and remain committed to ensuring timely and effective
implementation,” said Dr. Ronoh.
The agreement was formally signed by the Cabinet Secretary
for the National Treasury and Economic Planning, John Mbadi, and Sara
Mbago-Bhunu, IFAD Regional Director for East and Southern Africa in Nairobi,
Kenya.
The ceremony was witnessed by CS Dr. Debora Mlongo Barasa
(Environment, Climate Change and Forestry), PS Agriculture Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh,
alongside Principal Secretary for Interior and National Administration Dr.
Raymond Omollo and Principal Secretary for Environment and Climate Change Dr.
Festus Ngeno.
The eight-year initiative to uplift rural communities through climate-smart sustainable agriculture.
The project will be implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture
and Livestock Development.
The programme, IFAD’s largest ever in Kenya, aims to
directly benefit over 407,000 vulnerable rural households, translating to more
than 2 million Kenyans by enhancing food and nutrition security, building
resilience to climate change, and promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Special attention will be given to women, youth, and other
vulnerable groups to ensure inclusive and equitable growth.
He said INReMP is fully aligned with Kenya’s development
blueprint, Vision 2030, as well as the Agricultural Sector Transformation and
Growth Strategy (ASTGS 2019–2029).
The programme will focus on improving land and water
resources management, enhancing agricultural productivity, promoting
agroforestry, and strengthening rural enterprises and value chains.
The programme’s financing structure includes a blend of support from IFAD, the Government of Kenya, and private stakeholders, demonstrating a shared vision and collective action towards sustainable development and resilience building in rural Kenya.
Once rolled out, INReMP is expected to contribute significantly to poverty reduction, food and nutrition security, and inclusive economic development for Kenyans.
