Kenya is pushing to increase its agriculture and livestock budget as part of efforts to strengthen food security and reduce reliance on food imports. Lawmakers say higher funding is essential to boost production, improve research, and support farmers across the country.

Members of the National Assembly and Senate, including John Mutunga and Hezena Lemaletian, have emphasised that agriculture remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s economy. The sector contributes about 25% of GDP and employs more than 40% of the labour force, yet it continues to receive a relatively small share of national budget allocations.

For the 2026/2027 financial year, the agriculture sector faces a significant funding gap. While approximately Sh75.49 billion has been allocated, the estimated requirement stands at over Sh135 billion, leaving a shortfall that could hinder critical programmes. This underfunding also threatens the implementation of the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), particularly in key crop and livestock value chains.

Lawmakers argue that the current budget allocation—around 2.7% of the national budget—is not aligned with the sector’s economic importance. They warn that insufficient investment continues to limit productivity, forcing the country to spend over Sh500 billion annually on food imports. Redirecting even a portion of this spending toward domestic production, they say, could significantly strengthen local agriculture and create surplus for export markets.

Beyond production, concerns have also been raised about broader structural challenges, including underfunded agricultural training institutions and staffing shortages in key agencies. Addressing these gaps is seen as essential to building a more resilient and competitive agricultural sector.

Parliament is currently reviewing several legislative proposals aimed at strengthening agriculture, including bills focused on food and feed safety, sector regulation, and institutional reform. Lawmakers have indicated that harmonising these policies will be critical to avoiding duplication and ensuring effective implementation.

Overall, Kenya’s push to increase agricultural funding reflects a broader shift toward becoming a production-driven economy. By investing more in the sector, the country aims to reduce import dependence, enhance food security, and position agriculture as a key driver of long-term economic growth.