Prof. Abdulrazak Shaukat, Principal Secretary State Department for Science, Research and Innovation during the launch of the World Agriculture Forum Kenya Country Council./ILRI.
Kenya has launched the World Agriculture Forum Country Council to accelerate the transformation of its agriculture sector.
The move also seeks to boost productivity, strengthen climate resilience and link global innovation to local farming systems.
The establishment of the council marks a significant step in positioning the country as a continental leader in agricultural innovation, particularly in the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and bioengineering.
Speaking during the event, Science, Research and Innovation PS Prof Abdulrazak Shaukat said Kenya must urgently scale both the quality and quantity of its agricultural production.
He noted that climate change is already disrupting planting seasons, while trade barriers continue to constrain supply chains.
At the same time, a rapidly growing population is increasing demand for food, placing additional pressure on the sector.
“These challenges call for innovative, science-driven solutions that can transform agriculture into a more resilient and productive system,” he said.
He added that the WAF Kenya Country Council will bridge the gap between policy ambition and on-farm reality, creating integrated investment pipelines that pair digital intelligence with biological innovation.
The PS said Kenya is ready to lead the ‘convergence decade’.
“The future lies in the synergy between digital intelligence and biological intelligence. AI can tell a farmer when to plant, but bioengineering gives that farmer the seed that will survive regardless of the season,” he said.
Shaukat added that the initiative aligns with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), the AI Strategy 2025–2030, and continental frameworks such as CAADP and Agenda 2063.
The focus is on delivering measurable outcomes, including increased yields, improved farmer incomes and socio-economic transformation.
WAF Global executive director Dr M J Khan said the forum will serve as a catalyst for shaping the future of global food systems.
“WAF is committed to providing thought leadership and setting the agenda for food systems growth in the face of global challenges such as trade barriers, climate change and population pressures.
Data is the new fertiliser, and through our global councils, we aim to harness it to drive smarter, more resilient agricultural systems,” Khan said.
The WAF platform will operationalise its mission through flagship initiatives, including the Global Soil Health Coalition, Global Digital Agriculture Council, Global Sustainability Council and the Trade and Food Security Council.
International Livestock Research Institute director general Prof Appolinaire Djikeng noted the importance of sustained collaboration in transforming agriculture.
“This partnership reflects over a year of collaboration between WAF and ILRI, focused on advancing food security, improving agricultural practices and reducing poverty,” he said.
“The launch of the Kenya Country Council strengthens our shared commitment to translating science and innovation into real impact for farmers,” he said.
WAF Kenya country director Oscar Magenya, added; “The launch of the WAF Kenya Country Council marks a shift from conversation to implementation, bringing together government, investors and researchers to deliver real solutions for farmers.”
“This is not just another council, but a mechanism to turn global best practices into local impact, driving higher productivity, improving farmer incomes, and building a more resilient, technology-powered food system,” Magenya said.
The launch also featured insights from industry leaders on how digital tools and innovation are already transforming farming on the ground.
Market Farm Ltd chief executive Timothy Wanjohi emphasised the role of technology in improving farmer outcomes.
“We are seeing first-hand how digital platforms, AI-driven advisories and solar-powered solutions can reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access and increase profitability for farmers,” he said.
“The opportunity now is to scale these solutions and ensure they reach every farmer who needs them,” he said.
The WAF Kenya Country Council will focus on building integrated pipelines for agricultural innovation, fostering public-private partnerships and engaging county governments as key drivers of implementation.
By 2028, the council aims to establish a proven, scalable model that connects global investors to local agricultural innovation, accelerates the adoption of AI and bioengineering solutions and strengthens Kenya’s position as a hub for agri-tech convergence.
The first county council meeting will be held within 30 days to set up technical working groups.
These will focus on aligning regulations, developing financing models, and creating safeguards to protect farmers while making AI easier to understand and use.
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