Kenya is spending billions importing eggs each year — a situation Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe says can no longer continue.
Speaking during a visit to the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) Dairy Research Centre in Msabaha, Kilifi County, Kagwe disclosed that the country imports close to 5 billion eggs annually to meet a rising national demand of about 9 billion eggs.
He noted that local farmers currently produce only 4 billion eggs, leaving a massive deficit that foreign producers have been filling for years.
“We must stop importing eggs and start producing enough for ourselves,” Kagwe declared. “That will only happen if we embrace farming based on science — not guesswork.”
The Cabinet Secretary underscored that Kenya’s food security depends heavily on research, technology, and innovation.
He said the government is investing in research centers like KALRO to develop new solutions that address production challenges and help farmers cope with climate change and soaring input costs.
During his tour, Kagwe observed scientific work being carried out on improved crop varieties, livestock feed development, and grafting methods, noting that such innovations are key to transforming Kenya’s agricultural output.
He also urged farmers to adopt soil testing, precision farming, and data-driven decisions to increase yields and ensure sustainability amid rapid population growth and diminishing farmland.
“The future of our food security lies in understanding our soils, our crops, and our animals. That’s the only way to move from subsistence to sustainability,” he emphasized.
Turning to the dairy sector, Kagwe called for a shift toward quality-based milk production, supported by modern animal breeds and efficient husbandry practices.
He revealed that the ministry is working closely with private sector players and researchers to promote value addition and better market access for local farmers.
Kagwe further appealed to the youth to join the agricultural space, pointing out that the average Kenyan farmer is 64 years old.
“Our young people understand technology better than anyone else. Let’s hand over the tools of modern farming to them — they are the future of agriculture,” he said.
The CS, who was accompanied by KALRO Director General Dr. Eliud Kireger and Dairy Research Institute Director Dr. Samuel Mbuku, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to reducing imports, boosting local production, and strengthening food self-sufficiency.
“Kenya’s agricultural transformation must be anchored on science, innovation, and evidence — not outdated traditions,” Kagwe concluded.
Tags
News