Kenyans urged to lease idle government land to boost food production

Speaking during the official opening of the Nakuru ASK National Show, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe revealed that Kenya is currently facing serious shortages in key commodities including rice, wheat, palm oil, cotton, and yellow maize. He noted that the private sector could play a significant role in bridging this gap by leasing government land to cultivate food and animal crops.

Kagwe identified land owned by the Agricultural Development Corporation and the Kenya Prisons Service as readily available for leasing, encouraging the private sector to invest in food production. He particularly emphasized the need for increased local production of wheat and rice, noting that Kenya imports up to 92% of its wheat and 75% of its rice annually.

He cited the leasing of government-owned sugar companies such as Nzoia and Mumias as successful examples of public-private partnerships that have revitalized the sugar sector. According to Kagwe, for the first time in many years, Kenya has not imported maize and sugar this year.

This year’s Nakuru ASK Show attracted 150 exhibitors, including 35 new entrants—an indication of growing interest in the annual trade fair.

Nakuru Deputy Governor David Kones, who also attended the event, said the rise in the number of exhibitors marks a major milestone in advancing agricultural knowledge among local communities, which is expected to result in improved yields.

He also highlighted the county’s commitment to reviving pyrethrum farming, stating that 36.4 million pyrethrum seedlings have been distributed over the past two years through support from the Ministry of Agriculture.

Among the standout exhibitors at the event were the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and the Kenya Tea Development Authority, both of which won top awards. KPA scooped 11 awards across all its categories, with judges praising its outstanding alignment with this year’s show theme: “Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Growth.”

KPA Show Chairman Peter Odera noted the authority’s commitment to efficient port operations while also embracing green energy initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint.

Other notable winners included Kenya Seed Company, Kenya Prisons, KARLO Njoro, Egerton University, and Kabarak University.

The next agricultural show is scheduled to be held in Kisumu in two weeks.