Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has urged government agencies and county governments to approach donor-funded agriculture programmes with caution, warning that most such financing comes in the form of loans that must deliver tangible value to farmers and the country.
Speaking at a Joint National Project Steering Committee meeting for World Bank-supported agricultural projects in Kilifi, Kagwe said Kenya must move away from poorly designed arrangements and instead focus on initiatives firmly anchored in national priorities, sound policy and citizen ownership.
“Donor financing is not free money. These are loans, and we must be honest about that. Every facility must align with our agenda and deliver results for farmers and for this country,” Kagwe said.
The Cabinet Secretary highlighted the newly approved Livestock Value Chain Support Project, which aims to boost dairy productivity, reduce post-harvest losses and increase farmer incomes. The project focuses on improving animal genetics, feeds and fodder, strengthening cold-chain infrastructure and supporting farmer organisations.
However, Kagwe raised concerns over certain items appearing in procurement plans, questioning whether they reflect real needs on the ground or provide value for money.
“We cannot be buying basic items from countries like Poland through tied-aid facilities when these can be sourced locally or better aligned to our needs. Procurement must make economic sense and support Kenyan industry,” he said.
He also challenged the National Treasury to involve sector ministries more actively before finalising external financing agreements, cautioning that deals concluded without adequate technical input often result in projects that fail to meet their objectives.
County governments were also cautioned over performance. Council of Governors Agriculture Committee Chair and Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka warned that poor implementation could see some counties dropped from ongoing programmes.
“Let us change the lives of farmers, but we must also observe compliance. Counties must perform, or they will be discontinued,” Lusaka said.
Baringo Governor Benjamin Cheboi echoed the call for accountability, stressing that donor resources must be managed prudently to ensure farmers experience real benefits at the grassroots.
