NAIROBI, Kenya, June 3 — Kenya is undertaking a bold initiative to revamp its agricultural training landscape, according to Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development.
Speaking during the inauguration of the International Floriculture Trade Expo (IFTEX) 2025 in Nairobi, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe stressed the government’s commitment to upgrading the Kenya School of Agriculture’s (KSA) 10 campuses.
This modernization drive involves integrating cutting-edge technologies including artificial intelligence (AI), drones, big data, and the Internet of Things (IoT) to enable smart, data-informed agricultural practices.
As part of this transformation, the Ministry is currently conducting a comprehensive review of market requirements to align training programs with both technological trends and industry demands.
The government also plans to establish knowledge-sharing partnerships by linking KSA with globally renowned agricultural institutions to deliver short, accredited courses that prepare students for a competitive, modern agriculture sector.
“These efforts are aimed at making agricultural training more relevant, tech-savvy, and appealing to Kenya’s youth,” said Kagwe.
The country’s floriculture sector, a vital contributor to Kenya’s GDP and export earnings, is already showcasing sustainable practices under the Kenya Flower Council’s Flowers and Ornamentals Sustainability Standard (KFOSS).
These methods include precision irrigation, transitioning to low-emission sea freight, leveraging solar energy in greenhouses, and promoting ethical labor standards and supply chain transparency.
To boost smallholder efficiency and profitability, Kagwe noted that the government is using mobile platforms to deliver timely farming advice and is working with county administrations to enhance grassroots-level training for agripreneurs.
These measures are designed to improve productivity, elevate product quality, and raise farmers’ earnings.
He acknowledged existing industry challenges, such as prohibitive air-freight costs, illegal local levies, and complex export regulations.
However, he pointed to positive progress, such as the implementation of the False Coddling Moth Systems Approach (FCMSA), which has gained endorsement from the European Commission and supports compliance with new EU standards for cut flower exports.
Highlighting the role of global cooperation, Kagwe cited the recently signed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a significant milestone.
The agreement is expected to stimulate investment, expand market access, and foster collaboration in areas such as agriculture, ICT, and vocational training.
