Agribusiness Apps in Kenya: Driving digital transformation in agriculture

Kenya’s agricultural sector is undergoing a digital revolution driven by the widespread use of mobile phones and innovative agribusiness applications. Agriculture employs a large portion of the population and contributes significantly to the country’s economy, yet farmers have historically faced challenges such as poor market access, lack of timely information, low productivity and limited access to finance.

Agribusiness apps are changing this reality by connecting farmers to markets, advisory services, financial products and data-driven decision tools. These digital platforms are making agriculture more efficient, profitable and attractive, especially for youth and smallholder farmers.

Why agribusiness apps matter in Kenya

Agribusiness apps address long-standing inefficiencies in the agricultural value chain. By leveraging mobile technology, these apps reduce information gaps, cut transaction costs, and improve transparency. They empower farmers to make informed decisions, access services previously out of reach and participate more competitively in local and regional markets.

Key reasons agribusiness apps are important include:Improved access to real-time market and price information

•  Easier access to farm inputs, credit, and insurance
• Better farm planning, productivity and risk management
• Stronger linkages between farmers, buyers and service providers

Categories of Agribusiness Apps in Kenya

1. Market Access and Price Information Apps

These apps help farmers identify buyers, compare prices, and sell produce directly, reducing dependence on middlemen.

Key features include:

•  Daily and real-time market prices
•  Direct buyer–farmer connections
•  Collective selling and aggregation.

Examples in Kenya:

• M-Farm– Provides market prices and links farmers to buyers
• Soko Yetu (Twiga Foods) – Connects farmers directly to vendors and retailers

2. Input Supply and Financing Apps

Access to quality inputs and finance is a major barrier for many farmers. These platforms integrate input supply with credit and repayment systems.

What they offer:

• Input loans for seeds, fertilizer, and agrochemicals
• Flexible repayment linked to harvest cycles
• Digital records for credit scoring

Popular platforms include:

• DigiFarm (Safaricom) – Offers inputs, credit, agronomic advice, and market access
• MyFugo – Focuses on dairy farming with financing and livestock tracking

3. Farm Advisory and Extension Apps

These apps provide agronomic advice and technical support to farmers, complementing traditional extension services.

Core services include:

• Crop and livestock management tips
• Pest and disease identification
•  Weather updates and alerts

Examples include:

• iCow – Supports livestock farmers with feeding, breeding and health tips
• Agrobase– Provides a database on crop pests, diseases and solutions

4. Farm Management and Decision-Support Apps

These platforms help farmers plan, monitor, and manage their farming activities like a business.

Key functionalities:

•  Farm record keeping and cost tracking
•  Planting calendars and yield estimates
• Weather-based decision support

Examples include:

• Zama Farmer Apps– Offer weather data, advisory services, and farm records
• Mbegu Choice– Helps farmers select suitable seed varieties based on location and conditions

5. Agribusiness Service Marketplaces

Some apps act as digital hubs connecting farmers to multiple services such as mechanization, veterinary services, transport and aggregation.

Benefits include:

• Easier access to trusted service providers
•  Reduced search and transaction costs
• Faster service delivery

Example:

• KilimoApp– Connects farmers with agronomists, vets, transporters and buyers

Benefits of Agribusiness Apps to Farmers and Agripreneurs

Agribusiness apps deliver wide-ranging benefits across the agricultural value chain:

• Higher incomes: Better prices, reduced losses and lower input costs
• Improved productivity:Timely advisory services and better planning
• Financial inclusion: Access to credit, insurance, and digital payments
• Risk reduction:Weather alerts, diversification and informed decision-making
• Youth engagement:Making agriculture more modern, data-driven and attractive

Challenges facing agribusiness apps in Kenya

Despite their impact, agribusiness apps face several challenges:

• Limited smartphone access among some rural farmers
•  Low digital literacy in remote areas
• Inconsistent internet connectivity
• Trust and adoption barriers among older farmers

Addressing these challenges requires farmer training, simplified app design, offline functionality, and strong partnerships with cooperatives and extension services.

The future of agribusiness apps in Kenya

The future of agribusiness apps in Kenya is promising. Emerging trends include the use of artificial intelligence for pest diagnosis, satellite data for crop monitoring,l and integration of insurance and climate-risk tools. As smartphone penetration and digital literacy improve, these platforms will play an even greater role in transforming agriculture into a profitable and resilient business sector.

Agribusiness apps are transforming Kenyan agriculture by improving access to markets, finance, information and services. They are helping farmers move from subsistence farming to commercially viable agribusiness enterprises. While challenges remain, continued innovation, supportive policies and farmer education will ensure that digital agriculture becomes a key driver of food security, employment, and economic growth in Kenya.

Author: Moureen Koech

Moureen Koech is a passionate Digital Journalist, an adept Agribusiness Writer with a keen eye for news and an impactful story-teller,whose stories provide key value to Agripreneurs and stakeholders in the Agricultural sector