From AI-powered drones flying over greenhouses to hydroponic vegetables grown without soil, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Mutahi Kagwe got a first-hand look at how technology is changing farming in Trans Nzoia County.
The CS toured four innovative farms on Monday, August 17, 2026— Hydroponic Farm, Mt. Elgon Orchards, Lokitela Farm and Sirwo Farm — to meet leading farmers and reaffirm government commitment to placing them “at the centre of Kenya’s agricultural transformation.”
How tech is taking over the shamba
The visits showcased farms using different models, but with one common thread: innovation.
Farmers are now using AI and AI-powered drones for crop monitoring, automated irrigation, greenhouse technology, and *modern post-harvest handling.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture, these tools are helping farmers improve decision-making, cut costs, increase efficiency and practice precision farming — growing more with less land, water and inputs.
Other practices on display included avocado seedling grafting and value addition aimed at export markets.
Jobs and exports in focus
CS Kagwe said agriculture’s potential goes beyond the farm.
“The engagement also underscored the enormous potential of agriculture in creating employment opportunities across farms, processing facilities, packaging plants, logistics networks and export value chains,” he noted.
He emphasized that producing quality produce must go hand-in-hand with proper marketing and branding to make Kenyan products competitive regionally and globally.
Additionally, the CS assured farmers and processors of government’s “unwavering commitment to opening up new markets and strengthening existing ones to guarantee sustainable returns.”
Govt and private sector partnerships
Kagwe said strong partnerships between government and the private sector are key to attracting investment and building a “more productive, competitive and profitable agricultural sector.”
He also singled out Kenya Airways for its role in moving fresh produce to international markets.
Kipronoh Kittony, Chairperson of Kenya Airways who is also a farmer, joined the tour — a sign, officials said, of growing collaboration between agriculture and aviation in advancing Kenya’s export agenda.
Why Trans Nzoia matters in smart agriculture
Known as Kenya’s breadbasket, Trans Nzoia is being positioned as a testbed for smart farming.
From soil-less hydroponics to drone surveillance, the county’s farms offered what officials called “a glimpse into the future of Kenya’s agriculture.”
With pressure to feed a growing population and earn more from exports, the government says mechanization, value addition and technology will be central to the next phase of agricultural growth.
