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By Liz Anyango
Nairobi, Kenya: Kenya’s agricultural sector is being called to adapt, innovate, and compete fairly as climate change tightens its grip and farmers face growing uncertainty.
That was the rallying cry at the Agri-Business Summit 2025, where government officials, agribusiness leaders, and regulators convened to explore ways to future-proof Kenya’s agriculture through irrigation, fair markets, and smart farm inputs.
The Competition Authority of Kenya (CAK) reaffirmed its commitment to creating a business environment where smallholder farmers and MSMEs can thrive alongside established industry players.
CAK Director General David Kemei emphasized that fairness and consumer protection lie at the heart of a resilient economy.
“Market access is critical for agribusiness growth,” said Kemei. “We’re working to eliminate barriers so small producers can grow and compete on equal footing.”
To that end, the Authority is currently reviewing the seeds market for anti-competitive conduct and abuse of buyer power — a move expected to shape future reforms and level the playing field in agricultural trade.
Since establishing a Buyer Power Department in 2019, CAK has handled more than 400 cases of unfair trading, particularly in the retail and agriculture sectors.
A major success story was the recovery of KES 2.5 billion owed to small suppliers by the defunct Tuskys Supermarket funds that went directly back into the hands of farmers and small enterprises.
Through initiatives like the Retail Trade Code of Practice, CAK has promoted transparent contracts and timely payments between suppliers and retailers, building confidence among small producers.
The Authority has also championed competition in niche markets for instance, supporting Njeru Industries to break into Kenya’s specialty tea segment, giving consumers access to over 14 new tea brands at competitive prices.
One message resonated throughout the summit: rain-fed farming can no longer sustain Kenya’s food systems.
Panelists urged a national shift toward irrigation-based agriculture to mitigate the risks of unpredictable rainfall.
“You can’t rely on the weather anymore but you can rely on water,” one participant observed.
The government’s plan to build water pans in every county was lauded as a major step toward resilience, ensuring farmers can plant and harvest year-round while reducing vulnerability to drought.
Farmers also face the rising cost of inputs, particularly fertilizers and agrochemicals. At the summit, Elgon Kenya showcased its groundbreaking Blended Fertilizer, customized to meet the precise nutrient needs of different crops such as coffee, maize, and potatoes.
Dr. Bimal Kantaria explained that this tailored approach reduces wastage while boosting productivity.
“Each crop has unique nutritional needs, and our blends are designed to meet those needs efficiently,” said Dr. Kantaria.
Elgon Kenya says it continues to serve farmers across East Africa with innovative, sustainable solutions.
Discussions at the summit underscored that Kenya’s agricultural transformation hinges on strong policy frameworks, innovation, and cross-sector collaboration.
Experts agreed that a blend of fair competition, reliable irrigation, and accessible inputs will form the foundation of a sustainable agricultural future.
“When competition thrives and innovation takes root, Kenya’s agriculture will not just survive — it will flourish,” Kemei concluded.
The Summit highlighted a government focus on irrigation, the CAK’s commitment to equitable market access, Elgon Kenya’s provision of innovative crop-specific fertilizers, and a collective promise for inter-sectoral collaboration.
With these combined efforts, Kenya’s farming future is poised for a transformation that promises resilience, inclusivity, and growth.
