Kenya’s fight against food insecurity and malnutrition could gain significant ground if the government prioritises irrigated agriculture, efficient water management to reduce leakage and afforestation.
In his first media interview since arriving in Nairobi, newly appointed Israeli Ambassador Gideon Behar, told the Star the country’s food challenges can be tackled by scaling up irrigation and investing in the right technologies.
“These three methods have been proven successful in Israel—a country that is almost entirely desert—through investments in irrigation and innovations that save up to 97 per cent of water,” he said.
“We don’t waste water in Israel. Even sewer water is not discarded; it is treated, recycled and reused for irrigated farming.”
Behar said Kenya can significantly improve its water management.
“There needs for a mindset shift—what is often seen as waste should be viewed as a resource,” he said.
On irrigation, he said the Israeli private sector is actively involved in transferring local technologies to Kenya. He cited the example of Cultivaid, an Israeli company working in the country.
Cultivaid is a non-profit organisation that promotes food security and climate resilience in Eastern and Southern Africa through agricultural innovation and knowledge transfer.
Ambassador Behar, who succeeds Michael Lotem, previously served as Israel’s Special Envoy on Climate Change. He said during his tour of duty in Kenya, he intends to prioritise sustainable agriculture, renewable energy, afforestation, aquifer protection and water management, in response to the broader climate crisis.
“The government should expand the land under irrigated agriculture. This would allow multiple planting and harvesting seasons without relying solely on rainfall,” he said.
Regarding afforestation, he revealed Cultivaid has started work on the ground, distributing nearly one million seedlings to residents in Embu to help enhance forest cover.
Behar has served as the Head of the Bureau for Africa at Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs since 2017. He has also held roles as Special Envoy for African Affairs and Director of the Department for Combating Antisemitism and Holocaust Remembrance (2011–2016).
On broader issues affecting Israel’s international image, the ambassador acknowledged the global rise in antisemitism but expressed appreciation for Kenya’s warmth and openness.
“Kenyans are welcoming to Jews. I’ve seen churches here flying the Israeli flag,” he said.
He recounted a recent personal experience: “One day while shopping in Nairobi with my wife, we saw a woman wearing an armband with the Star of David. When we asked her about it, she told us about her Christian faith and her deep love for Israel.”
Behar said he hopes to build on this goodwill to help Israeli private sector players connect with the local market, particularly in the areas of climate change and technology transfer.
On the ongoing war in Gaza, Behar said Israel remains committed to honouring the Donald Trump-brokered ceasefire agreement but blamed Hamas for allegedly violating it by attacking Israeli soldiers.
“Our country has respected the ceasefire terms, but Hamas has continued to provoke conflict by targeting our forces. This undermines any efforts toward peace,” he said.
He also lamented Israel’s continued exclusion from observer status at the African Union, blaming what he described as "extremist countries" within the bloc for blocking the decision.
“Unfortunately, extremist voices continue to influence the AU’s stance. Israel has strong partnerships across Africa, and it is disappointing to see political interference override that progress,” he said.
On reports that Kenyan delegates walked out during Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address at the UN General Assembly, Behar dismissed the claims.
“No, the Kenyan delegation did not walk out on our Prime Minister. According to the information I received, they were attending other side events at the time,” he clarified.
Instant analysis
Israel’s new envoy to Kenya urges a focus on irrigation, water management, and afforestation to boost food security, while defending Israel’s actions in Gaza and blaming Hamas for ceasefire violations. He also criticises Israel’s exclusion from AU observer status, blaming “extremist countries” for political obstruction.
