CFAO Group helps Coast farmers mechanise

Vincent DeLassange, Ibrahim “Babangida” Khamis, Ambassador Dennis Awori and Peter Karanja at the Mnazi Mmoja showroom in Mombasa on Thursday / JOHN CHESOLI

Mombasa Agriculture executive Ibrahim 'Babangida' Khamis on one of CFAO’s tractors at the Mnazi Mmoja showroom in Mombasa on Thursday / JOHN CHESOLI

Equipment supplier CFAO group has brought world-class agricultural machinery closer to farmers in Mombasa with the opening of its fifth branch in Kenya on Thursday.

Speaking during the launch of the Mnazi Mmoja showroom, group chairman Amb Dennis Awori said the investment will support key advances in food security and getting closer to the farmer. 

"Mechanisation as a driver of food security is no longer optional,” he said.

"It is the foundation of food security, farmer productivity and economic resilience."

CFAO's other branches are in Nakuru, Kisumu, Eldoret and Nanyuki.

Awori said CFAO believes in the development of the African continent and its people. CFAO, which stands for Cooperation for Africa and Overseas, is in all 54 African countries.

Vincent DeLassange, vice president of CNH Middle East and Africa, said the investment in a world-class agricultural machinery facility demonstrates their long-term commitment to supporting Kenya's farmers with the technology and services they need to compete globally.

“We are keen to build partnerships with Kenyan farmers and support the country's agricultural transformation. We do this through world-class technology and continuous technical support.”

The new 2025-26 Case IH machinery includes the high horsepower optum (360-440 HP) tractors, the advanced AF Class 10+ axial-flow combine, and the 80-120hp quantam series specialised farming.

Mombasa Deputy Governor Francis Thoya, who was represented by Agriculture executive Ibrahim 'Babangida' Khamis, said there are more 5,000 farmers in Mombasa, something many people do not know.

Mechanisation makes farming faster, more efficient and more productive, he said.

He added that for many years, Mombasa has been known for port logistics, tourism and trade, but diversification is crucial.

“Mechanised agriculture will build a more resilient county, one that create jobs, strengthens rural livelihoods and enhances food security,” the deputy governor said.

Babangida said Mombasa county is building three water pans for agricultural use: in the Mwakirunge area of Kisauni and the Junda area of Jomvu subcounty.

He said the county is prioritising fisheries, aquaculture, livestock development and value addition.

The deputy governor said Mombasa remains a net importer of food, something he said cannot be allowed to continue.

“While we may not have vast tracts of land, we have innovation, active cooperatives and farmers ready to maximise productivity,” Thoya and Babangida said.

Awori said the Mombasa showroom represents a significant vote of confidence in Kenya's agricultural sector and Mombasa's strategic position as a gateway to East Africa.

“We believe agricultural mechanisation is fundamental to achieving food security, creating employment and driving rural prosperity across this nation,” Awori said.

Thoya said the county is keen to ensure that key partnerships prioritise local farmers.

"The county is committed to backing private investments that boost farm productivity and create jobs in adequate food security,” the deputy governor said.

Case IH agriculture's tractor portfolio spans 55 to 700 HP offer Kenyan farmers unprecedented choice across five distinct series.

These are designed to meet diverse agricultural demands.

The lineup significantly expands mechanisation options for Kenya's agriculture sector.

It positions Case IH as a complete solutions provider—from small-scale specialty farming to large commercial operations.

All Case IH tractors feature comprehensive safety systems, proven reliability and fuel-efficient operation.

Tank capacities range from 60 to 395 litres, depending on the model.

Factory-trained technicians and genuine parts available through the established dealer network ensure minimal downtime.

This maximises productivity for Kenyan farmers investing in modern mechanisation solutions.

Beyond tractors, the showroom will stock ploughs for different soil types, disc harrows for seedbed prep, boom sprayers with precise application control (spraying equipment), and planters with accurate seed metering (machines for planting seeds at consistent rates).

These implements work seamlessly with the Case IH tractors for optimal performance.

Case IH tractors have earned their reputation among Kenyan farmers for durability in diverse conditions, from coastal humidity to highland zones.

For coastal and regional farmers, the showroom addresses problems of imported equipment purchases.

It offers quality products, advanced technology, certified technicians, available parts and educational resources — all in one place.

INSTANT ANALYSIS

Kenya is enhancing its image as one of Africa’s most dynamic agricultural markets, attracting investors who are confident in the destination’s business environment. The mechanisation of agriculture at the Coast is undergoing significant transformation, moving away from traditional, labour-intensive methods towards modern, machine-driven practices to unlock the region’s agricultural potential.