Livestock Principal Secretary Jonathan Mueke has announced that Kenya’s newly launched National Agroecology Strategy will now be rolled out in partnership with the counties.
Mueke said the 10-year strategy (2024–2033) is designed to help transform the country’s food system by promoting sustainable, climate-smart, and locally driven farming practices.
“This strategy represents our national vision for food systems that are sustainable, inclusive, and resilient,” he said in a statement read on his behalf by Agriculture Engineering Secretary Laban Kiplagat during the opening of the 2nd National Agroecology symposium in Nairobi.
“Its success depends on strong county-level adoption and implementation.”
He added that the move is in line with the Kampala Declaration, which outlines Africa’s roadmap for food systems transformation between 2026 and 2035.
Kenya, he said, is fully committed to this continental agenda.
“We are shifting from the old model of agriculture-led growth to a more holistic food systems approach,” said Mueke.
“It is about more than production; it is about nutrition, climate resilience, and equitable livelihoods.”
The strategy will guide counties in promoting agroecological farming, restoring ecosystems, reducing post-harvest losses, and ensuring access to safe and nutritious food for all Kenyans.
Mueke, at the same time, called for urgent changes in the country’s farming practices, warning that the country’s food system is under serious threat due to climate change, land degradation, and rising hunger levels.
He stated that more than 2.8 million Kenyans in arid and semi-arid areas could face hunger by mid-2025, according to official food security assessments.
“Our current food system is stretched to its limits. We are facing increasing food insecurity, soil degradation, and climate pressures,” said Mueke.
“We must now shift to farming practices that are resilient, sustainable, and people-centred.”
He emphasised that agroecology, a system of farming that works with nature, improves soil health, and supports smallholder farmers, offers a solution that can boost food security and protect the environment at the same time.
“Transforming our food systems is not optional. It is essential if we want to feed our people and preserve our land for future generations,” he added.
The symposium brought together government officials, farmers, researchers, civil society, and private sector players to discuss new ways of producing food that are healthier for both people and the planet.
It was themed ‘Scaling up agroecology initiatives for soil health, climate resilience, economic stability and sustainable healthy food systems.’
It was organised by the Participatory Ecological Land Use Management (PELUM) Kenya.
PELUM is a national network currently comprising 63 member organisations.
Its members mandate it to promote agroecological principles and practices through networking and capacity building, agro-enterprise and market development, information sharing, and advocacy.
