Gov't moves to boost farm mechanisation as New Holland opens new facility in Kenya

Speaking at the launch, Secretary to the Cabinet Mercy Wanjau said Kenya’s mechanisation levels remain among the lowest globally, despite agriculture employing about 40 per cent of the workforce and up to 70 per cent in rural areas. 

She said the government is backing partnerships with the private sector to expand access to modern farm equipment, improve productivity and reduce post-harvest losses.

“Mechanisation is key to better yields, lower wastage after harvest and higher incomes for farmers,” Wanjau said, noting that most smallholder farmers still rely on manual labour.

New Holland’s Vice President for Middle East and Africa, Vincent de Lassagne, said the company is strengthening its long-term presence in Kenya through its partnership with Inchcape Kenya, which became the exclusive distributor of New Holland Agriculture equipment in June 2025. 

He said the partnership is expected to improve after-sales support and availability of farm machinery in the country.

Inchcape Africa Managing Director Francis Agbonlahor said the company plans to expand its footprint beyond Nairobi to towns such as Meru and Nanyuki, targeting farmers in key agricultural regions. He added that the partnership aims to help farmers transition from subsistence to more commercial and sustainable farming practices.

The move comes against the backdrop of low access to mechanised equipment among smallholder farmers, who produce the bulk of Kenya’s food. 

Industry estimates place Kenya’s agricultural equipment market at about USD 1.2 billion, but uptake remains limited due to high costs and limited financing options. Basic tractors cost upwards of Ksh.2 million, putting them beyond the reach of many farmers.

Agriculture remains a central pillar of Kenya’s economy, providing livelihoods for millions of rural households and generating foreign exchange through exports. 

However, low mechanisation levels continue to constrain productivity, efficiency and competitiveness, particularly among small-scale farmers.

New Holland said it will supply a range of tractors and combine harvesters suited to mixed and small-scale farming, as well as higher horsepower machinery for larger commercial farms.

The government says improving access to such equipment is part of a broader strategy to modernise agriculture and strengthen food security.