AI in Agriculture is not new; ever since the technology has risen, farming in Kenya has seen a different era. In this blog, we will talk about how technology positively impacts agribusiness.
This blog should help you understand what Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Agriculture is and why Kenya’s Agribusiness Sector is fast embracing it.
What is AI in Agriculture?
Artificial Intelligence (AI) refers to the ability of the computer to perform tasks just like humans, exactly mimicking cognitive skills, making it easier for humans to do work.
Similarly, AI in Agriculture refers to enhancing the farming practices via new-age technologies, including data analysis, automation, and precision farming techniques.
But before that, it’s important to see how Farming in Kenya has gained momentum. A country with 52.4 million people, Kenya stands in the 27th position in terms of it being a highly populous country in the world and 7th when it comes to Africa.
The country’s GDP heavily depends on agriculture. In a 2023 report, 21.8% of GDP’s contribution came from agriculture. The sector is important for a reason that 40% of the total population and more than 70% of the rural population are engaged in the sector.
Why Kenya is Shifting from Traditional Agriculture to Modern Agriculture?
We all know that agriculture has always been a part of human progressive history. No matter whatever sector fully grows, agriculture has always been a backbone of any country and when it comes to Africa - where 70% of the work-force depends upon agriculture, this goes a long way that why Kenya being one of the most advanced nations of this continent, even want to shift towards contemporary agriculture.
● Farming in Kenya is revenue-driven - Kenya’s GDP from Agriculture saw a massive rise and rose to 434459 KES Million in the fourth quarter of 2024 from 380292 KES Million in the third quarter of 2024. Read the full Report.
● Youth’s Major Attraction is now Agriculture in Kenya - Kenya's farming future depends on its youth. A few years ago, many saw agriculture as outdated, but now young Kenyans view it as a profitable career, thanks to technology and better funding. Young farmers are embracing organic farming, agroforestry, drip irrigation, and digital tools to boost efficiency and market access. For them, sustainability isn’t just good for the environment—it’s a smart business move.
● A Strong Climate Action Plan Needed - Not just population, but Kenya is experiencing a huge climate crisis, equipped with rising temperatures, devastating floods and drought. A proactive approach towards climate change via Kenya's agricultural technology was always a must. In the past years, we have seen enormous technological changes, including drip irrigation, greenhouse farming, drought-resistant crops, artificial general intelligence, etc. ensure stable production.
● Government Apt Plan of Action - Kenya’s ongoing agriculture technology initiatives include
❖ Kenya’s Vision 2030 - A highly competitive plan launched in 2008 to transform Kenya into a newly industrialised country- is striving hard to strengthen its agricultural sector. It solely aims at things which are better productivity, higher nutritional value in food, minimising food losses and bringing in newer technologies every year.
❖ Kenya Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS) 2019-2029 is a government-led plan to modernise agriculture through technology, value addition and climate-smart practices. This plan is increasing productivity, improving market access to the market and facilitating better agribusiness practices by leveraging digital tools, irrigation expansion and private-sector partnerships.
❖ Kenya Fertiliser Subsidy Program - The Kenya Fertiliser Subsidy Program is aimed at boosting food security by making fertilisers affordable for small-scale farmers, making them technologically equipped. Through the e-voucher system, which is again an example of farming in Kenya’s digital agriculture initiatives, this is a plan for a forward approach. Moreover, mobile platforms like M-Pesa, farmers to receive discounted fertilisers (up to 50% subsidy) to increase crop yields.
The Kenyan Government is leaving no stone unturned to make an indeed promising market for global and domestic agriculture companies who want to expand their footprint in the country.
If you have cutting-edge agriculture technology and solutions that you want to showcase to an audience of 10,000+, or make strategic connections, or simply talk about your line of product, join the 9th Africa Agri Expo, 11th and 12th Feb, 2026 in KICC, Nairobi, Kenya.
Register here - Book my Booth!