President William Ruto began his five-day development tour of Mt Kenya on Tuesday, April 1, focusing on six key economic priorities and government interventions.
The government angles agriculture as the main economic pillar for the region.
One of the main objectives is to boost agriculture and trade as pillars of economic revival in the region.
Economic revitalization is the lens through which stabilizing the region is best understood.
Six Agriculture and Trade Projects Ruto is Driving in Mt Kenya
Among the highlighted government initiatives is the revamping of the tea industry, a crucial sector as Mt. Kenya dominates Kenya’s tea production, a major foreign exchange earner.
To support farmers, Ruto’s administration has set a guaranteed minimum price of Ksh30 per kilo and introduced subsidized fertilizers to boost yields.
Additionally, modern tea processing factories have been established to enhance quality and reduce post-harvest losses.
At the same time, reforms to the Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) aim to eliminate cartels and empower farmers to negotiate better.
The government has also revived the coffee sector, as coffee is a high-value export crop, with Nyeri and Murang’a producing the top-grade AA and AB varieties.
Ruto waived debt waivers of Ksh 6.7 billion to free farmers from financial burdens.
There is also the aspect of direct payments to farmers, which helps bypass exploitative middlemen.
Furthermore, there are higher payments per kilo of coffee cherry that rose from Ksh 35 to Ksh 80 and factory rehabilitations to facilitate value addition and processing.
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Revamping the Avocado and Miraa Sectors
In the avocado industry as a growth sector, Kenya exported over 100,000 metric tons of avocados in 2023, earning Ksh 14 billion.
Mt. Kenya produces 60% of this output, making it a key focus for agricultural investment. The government is working to provide seeds and Global GAP certification training for farmers.
It also aims to expand the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) inspection centers to Nakuru and Kirinyaga for quality control.
At the same time, the government is looking to establish aggregation centers to prevent post-harvest losses and negotiate duty-free access to the European Union (EU) market for Kenyan avocados.
The government has further moved to protect the miraa market and expand exports.
Miraa (khat) contributes over Ksh 6 billion annually, with exports to Somalia and the Middle East.
The 2022 Miraa Taskforce Report recognized miraa as an official cash crop, unlocking new government support.
To strengthen the sector, the government has introduced funding for value addition, including miraa tea processing, to diversify product offerings.
Additionally, improved road networks are being developed to enhance transportation and reduce post-harvest losses.
The government is also working to secure new export destinations, including Djibouti, Congo, and Israel, ensuring a broader and more stable market for miraa farmers.
Banning Macadamia Exports and Ksh 500M Dairy Stabilization Fund
Kenya is a major player in the global macadamia market, producing 50,000 metric tons annually, with Kirinyaga and Nyeri counties serving as key hubs.
To ensure more value is retained locally, the government has implemented a ban on raw macadamia exports, pushing for local processing and creating processing facilities in the Mt. Kenya region.
In addition to this, the government has rolled out several initiatives aimed at boosting production and quality.
These include the distribution of subsidized macadamia seedlings to farmers, training programs on grafting and high-yield techniques, and cooperative support to help farmers access better processing technology.
Also Read: Ruto Unpacks Ksh969 Million Goodies for Western Kenya During Tour
Mt. Kenya is a powerhouse in Kenya’s dairy industry, accounting for 40% of the country’s milk production.
To strengthen this vital sector, the government has introduced several key initiatives aimed at improving dairy farming and supporting farmers.
Among these efforts is the expansion of artificial insemination (AI) programs to improve cattle breeds, ensuring higher yields and better-quality milk.
The government has also set up a Ksh 500 million Dairy Stabilization Fund to protect farmers from price fluctuations, offering much-needed financial security.
To enhance milk storage and reduce spoilage, over 100 milk cooling plants are being installed across the region.
Additionally, feed subsidies are being provided to lower production costs and increase profitability for farmers.
Milk prices have been raised from Ksh 35 to Ksh 50 per liter, a move that benefits dairy farmers and provides a more favorable income for those in the industry.
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