Kilifi County achieves significant milestones in agriculture: A new frontier for investment

Kilifi County has made impressive strides in its agricultural sector, positioning itself as a key player in Kenya’s agricultural economy. With a rich variety of crops and vast growth potential, the County is inviting investors to partner in transforming the agricultural landscape, especially ahead of the upcoming Kilifi County International Investment Conference (KCIC). The conference is set for December 4 to 6, 2024.

Key Agricultural Milestones 

Irrigation Development
Kilifi County has made remarkable investments in irrigation to tackle water scarcity and boost food production. The rehabilitation of irrigation schemes such as Dagamra, Uhai Marikano, Lamwembe, and Mdachi, along with the construction of 178 water ponds, has opened up 178 acres for high-value crop production. Additionally, the rehabilitation of water pans like Sosoni, Baluya, and Madzi Meruhe has significantly improved water storage and availability for farming, especially in dry seasons.

Use of Improved and Certified Seeds and Seedlings
The County has made substantial efforts to enhance the quality of seeds and seedlings available to local farmers. Over 80.2 tonnes of certified maize seeds, 12.8 tonnes of fertilizer, and 1.8 million cassava cuttings have been distributed to farmers. Other initiatives include promoting the growth of mangoes, cotton, and cashew nuts, with 12,000 mango seedlings, 900kg of BT Boll Guard cotton seeds, and 512,000 cashew nut seedlings reaching farmers. The new orchards for cashew and coconut established are covering an area of 44,648 acres.

Extension Services

Kilifi has prioritised farmer education through extension services, reaching 101,690 farmers with vital agricultural knowledge. The County has also registered 164,747 farmers under the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management System (KIAMS), improving access to resources and data-driven support.

Soil fertility management

In a bid to improve soil health, 566 farmers have received soil testing services. Various technologies have been introduced to aid soil fertility management, and through a fertilizer subsidy, over 4,600 farmers benefited from 11,769 bags of planting and top-dressing fertilizer.

Mechanisation for efficiency
Kilifi is embracing mechanisation to boost farm productivity. A total of 6,756 farmers have benefitted from tractor-ploughing and spraying services. Additionally, farming equipment such as mist blowers, motorised sprayers, planters, and maize shellers have been distributed to farmer groups, significantly reducing labour costs and increasing efficiency.

Diversified crop production
The County has made great strides in diversifying crop production. Furthermore, 1 tonne of sorghum seeds, 10 Tonnes of sunflower seeds as well as 120 kg of assorted indigenous vegetables have been distributed to farmers to promote their cultivation.

Access to financial services

With over 10,000 farmers accessing financial services through the Kenya Cereal Enhancement Programme-climate Resilient Agricultural Livelihoods (KCEP CRAL) for their cereals, Kilifi is making great strides in enhancing financial inclusion for its agricultural community. The County has also invested in infrastructure, with three warehouses of 4,000-bag capacity constructed in Malindi, Magarini, and Kilifi North to improve post-harvest management and marketing of cereals.

Future investment opportunities in agriculture 

Kilifi County offers numerous opportunities for investors looking to tap into its agricultural potential. With strategic development, the region is set to become a hub for value-added agricultural products. Here are some of the promising investment areas:

• Commercial pineapple farming and processing: With the rising demand for pineapples, Kilifi’s climate offers an ideal environment for large-scale pineapple farming. There is also vast potential for value addition through pineapple processing into juices, dried fruits, and other products.
• Certified cassava seed production and processing: Investors can engage in the production of certified cassava seeds and the processing of cassava into flour or starch, offering a solution to food security and industrial demand.
• Irrigation projects: Key projects like Burangi Irrigation and Dagamra Irrigation offer opportunities for investors to engage in horticulture production, providing year-round crops for both local and export markets.
• Cashew and mango production: With a focus on intensive cashew and mango production, investors can meet the growing demand from processing factories in the region, ensuring a sustainable supply chain.
• Cocopeat production: With over 44,000 acres of coconut production, Kilifi is an ideal location for investors to set up cocopeat production from coconut waste. This byproduct has a wide range of applications, from horticulture to soil conditioning.
• Mechanisation and service provision: Investment in mechanisation for cassava planting and harvesting, as well as services such as spraying and ploughing, can help increase the efficiency of local farmers.
• Affordable credit facilities: The provision of affordable credit facilities for farm inputs will be critical in ensuring that farmers have the necessary resources to enhance productivity and grow the agricultural economy.

Kilifi County is at a pivotal moment in its agricultural transformation, and the upcoming conference presents a unique opportunity for local and international investors to tap into this growing sector. With its diverse agricultural potential, favourable climate, and committed leadership, Kilifi is ready to partner with investors to unlock new opportunities for sustainable growth and prosperity in agriculture.