AFA intensifies efforts to strengthen Kenya’s agricultural sector

Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) has stepped up its initiatives to enhance market access for produce and products from scheduled crops, while reinforcing the legal and regulatory framework that underpins the sector.
Speaking during a visit to AFA, Eliud Owalo, the Deputy Chief of Staff for Performance and Delivery Management in the Office of the President, emphasized the Authority’s pivotal role in strengthening Kenya’s agricultural sector.
“AFA is one of the state-owned agencies which play a crucial role in enhancing food production, thus ensuring the long-term food security of the nation,” Owalo said.
His visit was part of a comprehensive Performance Evaluation process for the 2023-2024 financial year. AFA’s Director General, Dr. Bruno Linyiru, outlined the Authority’s key focus areas under the 2023-2027 strategic plan.
These priorities include promoting production and productivity in scheduled crop value chains; increasing market access for scheduled crop products; establishing an enabling legal and regulatory framework; and strengthening AFA’s institutional capacity.
“By focusing on these areas, I am confident that we will achieve our mission of developing, promoting and regulating scheduled crop value chains for sustainable economic growth and transformation,” Dr. Linyiru said.
Scheduled crops play a crucial role in Kenya’s agricultural landscape. These crops, which are specifically regulated by AFA, benefit from government support, research, targeted marketing, and policy interventions.
Such efforts provide the necessary incentives and subsidies to promote the cultivation, development, and commercialization of these vital crops. Owalo further underscored the need for accountability in AFA’s operations.
“It is imperative that AFA’s mandate aligns with the strategic priorities outlined in its strategic plan and key result areas. Institutions and individuals must be held accountable for delivering measurable results,” he noted. “Performance will be rewarded, and those failing to meet targets will face sanctions.”
The AFA strategic plan is aligned with national, regional, and international development priorities, including the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. In particular, the plan seeks to alleviate poverty by promoting the production of scheduled crops, which serve as a vital source of livelihood for millions of Kenyans.
Additionally, AFA’s comprehensive monitoring, evaluation, and reporting framework will ensure the efficient tracking of progress, enabling timely corrective action when necessary. Owalo commended AFA for aligning its goals with Kenya’s overarching development agendas, such as MTP IV and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
AFA’s ongoing efforts are central to realizing a resilient agricultural sector that can address the evolving challenges of food security and contribute to Kenya’s broader economic transformation.