Kenyan farmers have welcomed the government’s decision to increase funding for agriculture in the proposed 2026/2027 national budget, describing the move as a major boost to food production, rural incomes and agricultural productivity.
Presented by Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi, the KSh4.8 trillion spending plan allocates KSh64 billion to the agriculture sector—an increase of KSh16.4 billion from the previous fiscal year’s KSh47.6 billion.
The allocation positions agriculture among the sectors protected from major expenditure cuts as the government seeks to strengthen food security, lower production costs and stimulate economic activity in rural areas.
A significant portion of the increased funding has been directed toward farm input support programmes. The fertiliser subsidy programme received KSh18 billion, more than double last year’s KSh8 billion allocation, in a move expected to ease production costs for farmers and improve yields.
The budget also earmarked KSh2 billion for maize seed subsidies to support crop production and improve access to certified seeds across farming regions.
Cash crop development received additional support, with KSh1 billion allocated to the coffee seedling programme aimed at revitalising coffee-growing zones and expanding farmer participation in the sector.
To strengthen long-term resilience within the food system, the government proposed KSh5.4 billion for the Food Systems Resilience Programme. Another KSh4.7 billion was allocated to the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), which seeks to improve production efficiency and expand market access.
The blue economy and fisheries sector emerged as another beneficiary, receiving KSh8.2 billion to support fisheries development and unlock economic opportunities linked to aquatic resources.
Meanwhile, sugar sector reforms received KSh2.5 billion as authorities continue efforts to improve competitiveness and sustainability within the industry.
The livestock sector also secured substantial support under the new spending plan. Treasury allocated KSh3.3 billion toward programmes focused on de-risking pastoral economies and enhancing livestock value chains. An additional KSh1.3 billion was set aside for the Kenya Livestock Commercialisation Programme, while KSh400 million will support livestock value-chain initiatives.
Farmers and industry stakeholders said the increased allocation signals recognition of agriculture’s central role in supporting livelihoods and driving national economic growth.
However, stakeholders also stressed that timely release of funds, efficient implementation and accountability will determine whether the expanded allocations translate into meaningful outcomes for farmers across the country.
Source Attributed: Nation Newspaper