Kenya has launched an ambitious KES1.081 trillion (approximately Sh21 trillion) National Agri-food Systems Investment Plan (NASIP) for 2026–2030, positioning itself to attract greater agricultural investment while accelerating food systems transformation across East Africa. The initiative is expected to intensify regional competition for agribusiness capital as neighbouring countries seek to strengthen their own agricultural sectors.

The investment blueprint was unveiled during the Financing Agri-Food Systems Sustainably (FINAS) Summit held in Nairobi from 30 June to 2 July 2026.

Plan Targets Food Security, Irrigation and Job Creation

The NASIP framework aims to modernise Kenya’s agricultural value chains, expand irrigation infrastructure, improve food security and create more than two million jobs by 2030. While focused on Kenya’s domestic agricultural transformation, the programme is expected to influence investment flows across East Africa as countries compete to attract agribusiness financing.

Speaking at the launch, Kenya’s Principal Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Jonathan Mueke, said the strategy is built around a fully costed investment framework designed to mobilise funding from multiple sources.

Private Sector To Finance Nearly Half Of The Programme

Unlike traditional government-funded agricultural programmes, NASIP relies heavily on blended finance, with the private sector expected to provide 45% of total funding.

The financing structure includes:

• 45% from private investors
• 35% from national and county governments
• 20% from development partners

The model reflects a broader shift across Africa, where governments are increasingly positioning themselves as facilitators of private investment rather than sole financiers of agricultural development.

Regional Agriculture Investment Competition Intensifies

The launch coincides with implementation of the Kampala Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) Strategy and Action Plan 2026–2035, which calls for increased investment in agro-industrialisation, climate resilience and agricultural trade across the continent.

AGRA Vice President for Programme Delivery, Professor Hamadi Boga, said African countries must now prioritise implementation over policy development.

“Africa has no shortage of strategies or commitments. What is needed now is implementation at scale. We must move with urgency to translate the Kampala Declaration into practical investments, stronger institutions and measurable outcomes that improve the lives of farmers and strengthen food systems across the continent.”

Innovative Agricultural Finance Gains Momentum

Discussions at the FINAS Summit also focused on expanding access to finance for smallholder farmers and agribusinesses through innovative funding mechanisms.

Participants explored financial tools designed to improve agricultural expenditure tracking, identify investment gaps and unlock greater private capital for food systems. Climate-smart agriculture financing also featured prominently, with stakeholders highlighting the need for inclusive financial solutions that support small-scale farmers and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

FSD Kenya Chief Executive Officer Rashid Pillai said inclusive financial systems remain essential for sustainable agricultural transformation.

“As a sector, we need inclusive finance for sustainable agri-food systems. These systems should work for MSMEs and small-scale farmers to get financial support that works for them.”

Kenya Positions Itself as a Regional Agriculture Investment Hub

As East African countries implement the CAADP framework, Kenya’s multi-trillion-shilling investment strategy is expected to become a regional benchmark for agricultural financing.

By combining public funding, private investment and development finance, the country aims to strengthen food security, modernise agricultural value chains and enhance its competitiveness as a leading destination for agribusiness investment in Africa.