The Government of Kenya, through President William Ruto, has secured Ksh 39.2 billion for Kenyans from international partners during his trip to Italy.
President William Samoei Ruto paid an official visit to Italy on 19 April 2026 and held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.
On 20 April 2026, the President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic and the President of the Republic of Kenya held a further meeting to discuss bilateral cooperation.
In a statement on April 21, Ruto stated that Kenya, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has invested in agriculture to expand financing options for the transformation of agri-food systems.
He noted that the engagement is part of efforts to strengthen agricultural development through improved access to funding and support mechanisms for the sector.
“With the International Fund of Agricultural Development (IFAD), we have invested in agriculture in our quest to broaden financing options for the transformation of agri-food systems,” Ruto said.
Ruto Secures Ksh5.2 billion For Dairy Farmers
The president further explained that Kenya, in collaboration with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), has invested in agriculture to expand financing options the transform agri-food systems.
Ruto said he was pleased to meet IFAD President Alvaro Lario in Rome, Italy, where they discussed agricultural cooperation.
Additionally, he expressed appreciation for IFAD’s $40 million (KSh 5.2 billion) in support for the dairy sector.
“Pleased to meet IFAD President Alvaro Lario, Rome, Italy. Thanked him for the institution’s $40 million (KSh5.2 billion) support for the dairy sector,” he said in part of his statement.
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Ksh34 Billion Support Plan for Small-Scale Farmers
President Ruto commended the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) for its planned roll-out of a second phase of support valued at $263 million (KSh 34 billion) over the next three years.
He noted that the program targets small-scale farmers and aims to strengthen agricultural financing and development support.
“Additionally, commended IFAD for the planned roll-out of phase two of $263 million (KSh34 billion) support for small-scale farmers in the next three years,” he said.
Also Read: Ruto Flies to Italy to Secure Infrastructure and Investment Deals
Agriculture as a Key Driver of Kenya’s Economy and Development
President William Ruto stated that agriculture is a critical sector in Kenya, supporting food security and remaining the largest source of employment in the country.
He noted that the sector plays a key role in efforts to reduce poverty and accelerate national development.
Ruto said the government is committed to providing tools and support systems to improve productivity in the agricultural sector.
He added that these measures are intended to enable higher incomes and enhance the capacity to increase production and innovation in farming.
