Has President Ruto truly transformed Kenya’s agriculture three years on?

By Daisy Okiring

NAIROBI, Kenya– Agriculture is often described as the heartbeat of Kenya’s economy, supporting more than 70 percent of rural households and contributing nearly 25 percent of GDP directly, with another 27 percent indirectly. When President William Ruto came into office in 2022, he made a bold promise: to revive farming, lower the cost of food, and turn agriculture into a modern, profitable enterprise. Three years on, Kenyans are asking—has he delivered?

Fertiliser subsidies and food security gains

The most visible policy has been the subsidised fertiliser programme, which lowered prices from KSh 6,500 to as low as KSh 2,500 per 50kg bag. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, maize yields in 2024 rose by 15 percent, while wheat and rice production also registered improvements. This has helped stabilise food supplies after years of shortages.

Farmers in Trans Nzoia and Uasin Gishu report that the subsidies have made cultivation more affordable. “For the first time in years, I planted all my land,” said David Kiptoo, a maize farmer in Kitale. “If the government sustains this, we will not fear hunger anymore.”

Yet, challenges persist. Delays in fertiliser distribution and allegations of diversion to politically connected brokers have undermined confidence. Critics argue that subsidies alone are not a sustainable solution without complementary investments in irrigation, storage, and market ccess.

Irrigation revival and climate resilience

The revival of the Galana Kulalu irrigation scheme in Kilifi and Tana River counties has been showcased as proof of Ruto’s seriousness on food security. The project, which had stalled for nearly a decade, has now put 10,000 acres under maize production. Officials project it will eventually cover 200,000 acres.

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This is a significant achievement in a country where only 3 percent of arable land is irrigated, despite massive potential. With climate change intensifying droughts, irrigation is no longer optional. Still, some analysts caution that the success of Galana must not overshadow smaller community-led irrigation schemes that directly benefit local farmers.

Livestock and dairy expansion

Ruto has also pushed reforms in livestock farming, including tax exemptions on animal feeds and investment in a KSh 400 million semen production plant. The goal is to double milk production and make Kenya a regional dairy exporter.

In Meru, Nyandarua and Kericho, farmers confirm that feed prices have dropped slightly, improving margins. Kenya’s milk output rose from 5.2 billion litres in 2022 to 5.9 billion litres in 2024. However, experts warn that without better cold-chain infrastructure and fairer pricing, increased production may still leave farmers vulnerable to middlemen.

Youth, women and digital agriculture

One of the Ruto administration’s strongest talking points has been youth and women empowerment in agriculture. Through the Hustler Fund and agricultural credit schemes, thousands of young people have accessed loans for agribusiness start-ups. Women’s cooperatives in counties like Bungoma and Kisii are now selling produce directly via online platforms, cutting off brokers.

“Technology is levelling the field,” noted Dr. Isaac Mwaura, the government spokesperson. “Farmers can now reach buyers across the country without leaving their farms.”

Read More: Why irrigation is Kenya’s lifeline for climate resilience and growth

Still, access to reliable internet and affordable smartphones remains uneven in rural Kenya. For many smallholders, the digital promise remains distant.

Persistent gaps and contradictions

Despite these strides, the agriculture sector still grapples with structural challenges. Kenya continues to import maize and rice to cover deficits. Post-harvest losses remain high—estimated at 30 percent of total production—due to poor storage and transport. Land fragmentation also threatens long-term productivity, with average farm sizes shrinking below one hectare.

Critics further argue that Ruto’s focus has been too crop-heavy, neglecting fisheries and forestry. Kenya’s aquaculture potential, for example, remains largely untapped, even as fish imports from China surge.

Global experts have weighed in as well. The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) notes that while Kenya has “taken important steps in improving productivity,” food affordability remains a concern as consumer prices remain high.

The politics of agriculture

Agriculture has always been political in Kenya. Subsidies, fertiliser distribution, and irrigation projects often follow electoral maps. While Ruto’s allies praise him as the “farmers’ president,” opposition leaders accuse him of using agricultural programmes as patronage tools.

“The fertiliser story is good, but ask farmers in Western Kenya how many bags they actually received,” said ODM MP Opiyo Wandayi. “We must separate genuine reform from political marketing.”

On TikTok, Kenyans widely celebrate Ruto’s success in tranforming the country’s agriculture. Have a look:

@kenyacurrenthub

Over the past three years, President William Ruto has transformed agriculture in Kenya, bringing hope, growth, and stability to millions of farmers and their families. Through the fertiliser subsidy program, prices have been reduced from KES 7,500 to KES 2,500 per bag, and 21.3 million bags have been distributed. This initiative has saved farmers over KES 100 billion, enabling them to plant more crops and increase production of staples such as maize, wheat, and rice. The digital farmer registration platform now has seven million farmers registered, eliminating ghost beneficiaries and ensuring fair access to government services and inputs. This transparency has helped farmers plan better, access timely support, and maximize their yields. Maize production has grown to 3.6 million tonnes, imports have reduced, and 2kg flour prices have stabilized at about KES 165, making staple food more affordable for Kenyan households. To reduce post-harvest losses, 100 dryers have been installed nationwide, creating 10,000 youth jobs in the process and boosting local economies. Cash crops are thriving under President Ruto’s leadership. Tea production has increased by 12 percent, generating KES 61 billion and increasing smallholder farmer prices to KES 64 per kilo. Coffee cherry prices have risen from KES 79 to KES 120 per kilo, supporting farmers’ incomes and strengthening Kenya’s presence in international coffee markets. The sugar industry has recovered remarkably, with production increasing by 76 percent, four state mills leased, and 250,000 jobs supported. Edible oil crops have expanded nearly twofold, reducing imports and increasing incomes for local farmers. Rice and cotton production have surged, pyrethrum output has risen by 73 percent, and tree crops like avocado, macadamia, cashew, and coconut are flourishing through seedling programs. Wheat and sorghum production has risen to supply millers and livestock feed makers, reducing import dependency. The dairy sector has grown by 700 million litres, more milk is processed locally, and exports have nearly doubled. Livestock exports have increased, 238,000 households are insured under DRIVE, and herds have been restocked in ASAL regions, strengthening rural livelihoods. Animal health has been prioritized, with over 7.8 million animals vaccinated, protecting farmers’ income and securing local and export markets. Overall, President Ruto’s three-year agricultural agenda has empowered farmers, stabilized food prices, revived neglected sectors, created youth employment, and strengthened Kenya’s food security. Agriculture under President Ruto is now not just a source of food, but a driver of economic growth, rural development, and social stability. The gains of these three years show that with commitment, planning, and support, Kenya’s farmers can thrive, feed the nation, and compete globally. #AgricultureScorecard Delivering The Plan

♬ original sound – KenyaCurrentHub

The verdict so far

So, has President Ruto transformed agriculture? The evidence suggests progress, but not yet transformation. Subsidies have boosted production, irrigation is expanding, and dairy reforms are taking root. Yet systemic issues—land tenure, market inefficiencies, and climate shocks—remain unresolved.

The administration deserves credit for placing agriculture at the centre of its economic strategy. However, Kenyans should be cautious of premature victory laps. Real transformation will only come when farming becomes consistently profitable, climate-resilient, and attractive to the next generation.

Ruto still has two years before the 2027 election. His legacy in agriculture will depend not just on short-term interventions, but on whether he builds lasting systems that outlive his presidency.

As one farmer in Kirinyaga put it, “We see some change, but true transformation is when my children will want to farm, not run to Nairobi for jobs.”

About the Author

Daisy Okiring

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Daisy Okiring is a Kenyan environmental and science Journalist known for her in-depth reporting on climate change, agriculture, and health. She works with Newsflash Kenya as a Features Writer and online strategist. Her storytelling often highlights community voices, sustainability, and data-driven solutions.

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