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Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has urged scientists, innovators, and policymakers to channel their efforts into unlocking the potential of Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Lands (ASALs) as part of the country’s strategy to achieve food security.
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Delivering his remarks at the Kenya National Research Festival 2025 at Egerton University, Nakuru, Kagwe said ASALs remain largely untapped despite offering immense opportunities, particularly in the context of climate change and the need for agricultural transformation.
“Kenya’s future in agriculture depends on sustainable research funding, evidence-based policymaking, and stronger innovation ecosystems,” he noted, stressing that research should take centre stage in national development.
Science, Research, and Innovation PS Prof. Shaukat Abdulrazak echoed the call, pointing out that over 80 percent of Kenya’s landmass falls within ASAL regions. He urged county governments to embrace ecological innovations and pledged to collaborate with university leaders to ensure research directly drives agricultural progress.
“We must adopt modern tools such as nuclear science for nutrition and electronic beam technology to minimise post-harvest losses,” Abdulrazak added.
Cabinet Affairs PS Idris Dokota encouraged counties to design forward-looking agricultural policies by participating in research fairs, exhibitions, and youth-led innovations, highlighting the role of devolved units in shaping the sector’s future.
National Research Fund CEO Prof. Dickson Andala revealed that since its establishment, the NRF has invested over Sh7 billion with government and bilateral support.
“In agriculture alone, we have funded more than 100 projects ranging from crop productivity to livestock management and sustainable practices,” he said.
The ongoing festival is expected to bring together over 1,000 farmers from across Nakuru, featuring field demos, keynote addresses, panel sessions, training workshops, poster exhibitions, and innovation pitches.
With a spotlight on ASALs, the festival seeks to strengthen investments in science, research, and innovation to secure Kenya’s food future.
