Nairobi is set to host the 10th Agritec Africa International Conference and Exhibition (Agritec Africa 2025) from June 11th to 13th at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC).
On Tuesday, stakeholders in the agriculture technology sector and partners convened for a curtain raiser breakfast meeting in Nairobi, building up to the Agritec Africa 2025, an international exhibition and conference on agriculture technologies.
This year’s conference and Expo theme, ‘Improving Farmers’ Income Through Innovation Technology’, underscores the potential of agriculture in Kenya and Africa.
In his speech read on his behalf by Director Policy and Regulations at the Ministry of Agriculture, Peter Ouko, Principal Secretary (PS), State Department for Agriculture, Kipronoh Ronoh said the Agritec Africa 2025 conference is a milestone event that coincides with Kenya’s renewed focus on transforming its farming systems through innovation and technology.
The PS said the presence of research and development centers, agricultural infrastructure, an agricultural university, government support, and initiatives by NGOs and other associations has made Kenya a unique choice for such an international exhibition on agricultural technologies.
“The Ministry is committed to fostering an environment that supports agricultural growth, boosts productivity, strengthens food and nutrition security, expands market access, and enhances trade. Innovation and technology are vital to achieving these objectives,” said Ronoh.
The PS said the conference will not only showcase advanced agricultural technologies and solutions but also foster global connections between farmers and markets. Additionally, it provides a robust central database to catalyze agricultural growth.
He said Exhibitors will be showcasing innovations in water harvesting, precision irrigation, post-harvest management, and value addition, all of which are crucial for advancing our agricultural practices.
Ronoh said the Expo is an opportunity for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to access cutting-edge technologies, especially for young farmers, whose adoption of innovative practices is critical for reducing hunger and improving rural incomes.
“Energy-efficient technologies, powered by motorisation, solar, wind, biomass, and more, are essential for enhancing productivity and accelerating Agro-processing activities,” he said.
“These initiatives prioritise food and nutrition security, manufacturing, Agro-processing, and the empowerment of MSMEs within agricultural value chains, all while contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs),” he said.
Ronoh said this event aligns closely with Kenya Vision 2030, the Agriculture Sector Growth and Transformation Strategy (ASTGS 2019–2029), and the government’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA).
He said that as the backbone of our economy, agriculture remains central to Kenya’s growth by contributing 33 percent of the GDP directly and an additional 27 percent indirectly, the sector employs over 40 percent of the population and more than 70 percent of rural communities.
“The government is investing in research and innovation, financial support for infrastructural development to support agriculture, and extension services to farmers,” he said, adding that by empowering farmers, we secure a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.
He added that the agriculture sector is influenced by externalities, like weather conditions and global economic and financial developments. The significance of the Kenyan agricultural sector is reflected in numerous national strategies and policies.
“Although farming is the most important economic sector in Kenya, less than 8 percent of the land is used for crop and feed production, and less than 20 percent is suitable for cultivation,” he said.
He argued that integration of innovation and technology offers transformative solutions to challenges that our farmers continue to face, including unpredictable weather, market volatility, and climate change, among others
“Precision farming, for example, enables the optimized use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, resulting in increased productivity, reduced costs, and minimized environmental impact,” he said.
“Smart irrigation systems, supported by data analytics, conserve water and energy, promoting sustainability and cost efficiency,” he said, adding that despite the challenge,s our farmers continue to secure food for the nation and sustain rural livelihoods.
The PS said that the digital revolution is equally impactful, noting that E-commerce platforms and mobile apps connect farmers directly to consumers, bypassing intermediaries and ensuring fair prices.
Additionally, he said blockchain technology enhances supply chain transparency and traceability, unlocking premium markets for quality agricultural produce.
He said that achieving these goals demands collective action and that Private sector partners should develop tailored solutions, while civil society plays a crucial role in training and ensuring inclusive access, particularly for smallholder farmers and marginalized groups.
“Together, let us embrace innovation and technology to build a resilient and inclusive agricultural sector and adopt solutions that enhance food production and achieve 100 percent Food and Nutrition Security in Kenya and Africa,” he said.
Agritec Africa 2025 Committee Chairperson Dionisia M’eruaki, also Deputy Director of Agriculture in the Ministry of Agriculture, said the conference will offer invaluable opportunities for panel discussions, technology demonstrations, and networking, driving productivity, trade, and investment in untapped areas.
She said the event is expected to be attended by more than 200 participating companies and more than 10,000 participants from 32 countries across the world, including China, Germany, India, Turkey, Iran, Italy, Poland, and Egypt, among others.
The Agritec Africa 2025 will concurrently run together with the 9th Dairy livestock & poultry Expo Africa, and the 4th GrainTech Africa Expo is also being organized, which includes companies from Dairy, Poultry, Livestock and Grain related sectors.
By Anita Omwenga
