NAKURU, Kenya – As Kenya takes various steps to improve food security, it is emerging that youth involvement in sustainable agricultural practices is crucial in this realisation.
Youth play a pivotal role in realising food security, economic development, and environmental protection.
Y News understands that young people bring fresh perspectives, innovative ideas, and the energy needed to drive sustainable practices.
Their engagement helps ensure a resilient and equitable food system for the future.
Against this background, the Kenya National Farmers’ Federation (KENAFF), a non-political, non-profit-making, and democratic member-based umbrella organisation of all farmers in Kenya, is keen on increasing agricultural productivity.
This week, KENAFF has been participating in the 2025 International Day of Potato (IDP) celebrations, held between May 29 and 30, 2025, at KALRO Marindas, Molo, Nakuru County, through speaking engagements and exhibitions, under the theme “Shaping History: Feeding the Future.”
Why the KENAFF Young Department is being hailed
Speaking on behalf of the KENAFF CEO, Divinah Mosota emphasised the crucial role of youth innovation and sustainability in the potato value chain, aligning with Day 1’s sub-theme: “Empowering Generations: Youth Innovation & Sustainability in Potato Farming.”
She highlighted and acknowledged the federation’s KENAFF Young Department as instrumental in advancing Pillar 4 (Empowering Youth and Women in Agriculture) and Pillar 6 (Data, Innovations, and ICT in Agriculture) of KENAFF’s Strategic Plan 2022–2026.
“Through peer-to-peer exchange programs spanning intra- and inter-county, national, regional, and international levels, KENAFF continues to mentor and equip a new generation of agri-preneurs with the knowledge needed to drive agricultural transformation,” Divinah said.
Y News knows that in December 2024, KENAFF disclosed that its 2022-2026 strategic plan focuses on youth empowerment through its Young Farmers Department.
Through the initiative, KENAFF promotes climate resilience through afforestation and biodiversity programs, advocates for farmer health insurance, and amplifies Kenyan farmers’ voices globally.
KENAFF CEO Daniel Mwendah remarked during the organisation’s 78th Annual General Meeting in Thogoto, Kiambu County.
How KENAFF is transforming the agriculture sector
Mwendah used the event to highlight the organisation’s remarkable milestones in driving sustainable agriculture.
“The world is struggling to feed itself. We need all partners to come together to stop the hunger. We believe that the farmers should be given a voice to articulate their issues,” Mwendah added.
The CEO also highlighted KENAFF’s pivotal role in managing a comprehensive farmers’ database, providing targeted training on climate-smart agricultural practices, and fostering sustainable agricultural systems to address climate change mitigation effectively.
“As young farmers, we want youth-friendly policies, especially for youths in agriculture,” said Integrated Soil Fertility Management trainee and farmer James Gitobu.
This, even as it emerged that engaging young people in agriculture can create employment opportunities and encourage the adoption of environmentally friendly farming methods.
This shift towards sustainable practices, as seen in various regions, helps secure livelihoods and challenges outdated agricultural norms. Youth participation is vital for long-term economic growth and food security.
