Agricultural and Food Authority Launches National Horticultural Standing Committee to Strengthen Sector
The Agricultural and Food Authority (AFA) today held a pivotal sensitization forum to inaugurate the National Horticultural Standing Committee at the Sarova Panafric Hotel in Nairobi.
The event, aimed at reinforcing the role of horticulture in Kenya’s economy, saw key stakeholders in attendance, including Dr. Paul Ronoh, Principal Secretary at the State Department for Agriculture, Dr. Bruno Linyiru, Director General of AFA, CEOs of various parastatals, and representatives from the private sector.
In his keynote address, Dr. Ronoh emphasized the critical importance of agriculture to Kenya’s economy, noting that the sector contributes about 22% to the nation’s GDP.
He highlighted horticulture’s significant role in food security, rural employment, and foreign exchange earnings, particularly in the face of challenges like climate change, pests, diseases, and market competition.
Dr. Ronoh also pointed to the sector’s growth, with horticultural exports earning the country Ksh. 157 billion in 2023, despite setbacks in 2024 due to disruptions in transit routes caused by geopolitical tensions in the Red Sea.
“The agriculture sector is a key pillar of Kenya’s economic transformation, especially under the Bottom-Up Economic Agenda,” Dr. Ronoh said. “This inauguration is a step toward addressing both emerging and long-standing challenges in horticulture.”
The newly inaugurated National Horticultural Standing Committee will be tasked with identifying issues within the sector, promoting enhanced production, and facilitating research and development. Key areas of focus will include adopting technological innovations, improving market access, addressing climate change, and promoting sustainable farming practices.
The committee will also focus on mobilizing resources to support its initiatives and liaising with both local and international institutions to adopt best practices.
Dr. Linyiru, Director General of AFA, also addressed attendees, highlighting the Authority’s mandate to regulate, promote, and develop Kenya’s agriculture sector.
He underscored the role of AFA in shaping policies that support best practices and a conducive business environment for horticulture.
The establishment of the National Horticulture Standing Committee, he said, would further strengthen public-private partnerships and accelerate growth in the industry.
“Today’s inauguration represents a continuation of the ongoing collaboration between the government, the private sector, and development partners.
Together, we can overcome challenges and further solidify Kenya’s position as a leader in global horticultural exports,” said Dr. Linyiru.
The event marked a significant step toward addressing the dynamic needs of the horticulture sector, with a collective commitment to driving sustainable growth and competitiveness in the years ahead.
As Kenya’s horticultural industry continues to evolve, the National Horticultural Standing Committee is set to play a central role in navigating the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
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