KEPSA joined other partners in the 3^rd National Agriculture Summit that kicked off on 4^th July 2023 at KICC, Nairobi. Organised by the Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET) - the agriculture sector board of KEPSA, the two-day event aimed at bringing together influential voices and experts in the agricultural sector to address critical challenges and seize the abundant opportunities in Kenya's agricultural landscape. The summit served as a focal point for stakeholders to converge, exchange ideas, and collectively chart a path toward a vibrant and resilient agricultural future.

During the opening session, Mr Victor Ogalo – KEPSA Deputy CEO, spoke passionately about the pivotal role of the private sector, facilitated by the government, in driving agricultural investment, innovation and market-led approaches to ensure Kenya produces a lot of what it consumes. He shared that there was a need to reinvigorate the agricultural sector and reduce the food import bill which he said is rising year by year. He further urged for strategic planning to mitigate the effects of the seasons of drought. His statement resonated with the importance of Public-Private partnerships in fostering an enabling environment for agricultural entrepreneurship and economic prosperity.

The opening session began with a heartfelt invocation by Ms Jane Musindi - Chair of ASNET Technical Advisory Group, setting a tone of unity and reverence for the challenges ahead. Arch. Lee Karuri - Chair of ASNET Trustees, followed with welcoming remarks, emphasizing the significance of the summit and the collective determination to drive agricultural transformation.

Ms Agatha Thuo - General Manager of ASNET, delivered her introductory remarks and set the stage for the summit's objectives. Her words echoed a resounding call for collaboration and cooperation among diverse stakeholders, recognizing that only through unified efforts can the agricultural sector overcome its challenges and embrace its vast potential.

In his remarks, Mr John Macharia - Country Manager, Alliance for a Green Revolution in Africa (AGRA), expounded on AGRA's unwavering commitment to sustainable agricultural practices, highlighting the importance of innovation and technology in propelling food security and elevating the lives of farmers across the continent. He acknowledged the threat of climate change to agriculture and urged for inclusivity to tap into the growing youth population.

The British High Commission representative reaffirmed support for Kenya's agricultural sector. He emphasized the strong bilateral partnerships and initiatives in place to foster agricultural development, illustrating the collaborative nature of this global endeavour. He further noted that it is only through collaborative efforts that we can mitigate the devastating effects of climate change on agriculture.  He encouraged the Kenyan government to strive to improve the economic conditions of the poor and to expand social protection schemes as a way to enhance food and nutrition security.

Mr Daniel Guenther - Head of German Development Cooperation at GIZ Kenya, underscored the importance of international cooperation in driving Kenya's agricultural progress. Guenther shed light on the fruitful German-Kenyan partnership, particularly in areas such as capacity building, technology transfer, and market access including the recent Kenya-Europe Economic Partnership Agreement, all of which contribute to the sector's sustainable growth. He concluded with a call to action mentioning that if we are to rise above the effects of climate change and the global pandemics, we cannot continue with business as usual.

Dr Bimal Kantaria - Chairman of ASNET and also the KEPSA Director in charge of Food Security & Climate Change, delivered a compelling address that underscored the transformative power of collaboration. His words emphasized ASNET's pivotal role as a facilitator of multi-stakeholder partnerships, harnessing diverse actors' collective wisdom and expertise to tackle the challenges facing the agricultural sector.

The government's commitment to the agricultural sector was prominently displayed through the speeches of Hon. Jonathan Mueke - Principal Secretary of the State Department of Livestock and Mr Patrick Kilemi - Principal Secretary of the State Department of Cooperatives. Their respective remarks highlighted the government's comprehensive strategies for livestock and crop development, including measures to enhance animal health, seed quality, irrigation, value chain integration, and market linkages.

The summit reached its pinnacle with the official opening address by the Chief Guest, Hon. Mithika Linturi - Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development. Hon. Linturi's compelling speech encapsulated the government's vision for agricultural transformation, stressing the imperatives of sustainable practices, technology adoption, and inclusive policies to ensure food security, economic growth, and rural prosperity.

The day’s event featured panel sessions including resilience of Kenya Food Systems and Agriculture Sector Competitiveness; Opportunities in African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and Regional Trade Competitiveness; The Ease of Doing Agribusiness; and Trade and Investments.

The National Agriculture Summit 2023 provides an invaluable platform for stakeholders from various sectors to converge, collaborate, and collectively shape the future of Kenya's agricultural landscape. The speeches from distinguished dignitaries and the palpable atmosphere of shared purpose highlighted the commitment, passion, and collaborative spirit necessary to address the challenges and seize the abundant opportunities within the agricultural sector.