Kenya launches Phase II of Agripreneurs Programme targeting youth agribusiness growth
The Government has unveiled the second phase of the Agripreneurs Programme, a flagship initiative designed to empower young people to venture into agribusiness while transforming the country’s agricultural sector.
The programme, implemented through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in collaboration with the Food Systems Resilience Project (FSRP) and the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project (NAVCDP), seeks to make farming more profitable, innovative and attractive to youth across the country.
Speaking during the launch, Ms. Priscilla Muiruri, National Coordinator of FSRP, underscored the critical role of young people in reshaping Kenya’s food systems.
“By nurturing a new generation of agripreneurs, we are not just creating jobs for young people. We are strengthening food security, driving innovation and building resilience within Kenya’s food systems,” Ms. Muiruri said.
Ms. Muiruri added that empowering youth to see farming as a business rather than subsistence labor is key to the country’s agricultural transformation.
“Farming is no longer about survival,it is about creating enterprises that can compete, sustain livelihoods, and provide solutions for our communities,” she said.
Phase II will be rolled out in 46 counties, targeting youth with the capacity to deliver essential services to farmers.
The programme will train and support agripreneurs to operate as independent service providers, offering farmers inputs such as seeds and fertilizer, advisory services on modern farming practices, and market linkages to boost income.
According to the ministry, agripreneurs will be able to run their businesses sustainably by charging service fees or earning other forms of remuneration, ensuring that the model is both scalable and self-sustaining.
The second rollout builds on the success of the initial phase, during which over 17,000 young people were recruited to support the nationwide farmer registration exercise under the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management Information System (KIAMIS). That exercise not only helped streamline data collection but also exposed many youths to opportunities in agriculture and agribusiness.
The Ministry noted that those who participated in the first phase will be given priority in the new phase, as they already possess hands-on experience and familiarity with Kenya’s agricultural value chain.
Officials say the programme is part of broader reforms aimed at modernizing agriculture and reducing the sector’s vulnerability to challenges such as climate change, food imports and post-harvest losses. By integrating youth, digital tools and innovation, the government hopes to strengthen food security while creating meaningful employment opportunities.
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development reiterated its commitment to supporting the youth-driven programme, stating that initiatives like the Agripreneurs model are vital to achieving Kenya’s Agricultural Growth and Transformation Strategy.
Through this approach, the government aims to position agriculture as a profitable sector for young people, reduce unemployment and expand opportunities in rural areas.
With Phase II now underway, thousands of young people are expected to benefit from training, resources and market opportunities.
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
