For seven years, the AgriFI food safety programme has stood as a pillar of transformation in Kenya’s agricultural sector. The collaboration between the European Union, DANIDA, and the Micro Enterprises Support Programme Trust (MESPT) has seen the reshaping of the food safety practices, boosted agricultural competitiveness and empowered communities across thirteen counties.On December 6, 2024, the Safari Park Hotel in Nairobi hosted a momentous event to celebrate the programme’s achievements and envision a future of safer, more sustainable agriculture.
Operating under the theme:‘Food Safety System for Value Chain Competitiveness,’ the programme emphasized practical solutions to pressing issues. Farmers and agricultural stakeholders were equipped with the knowledge, skills, and tools to ensure safer food production, reduce losses, and compete in both domestic and international markets.
The AgriFI programme was designed with a clear purpose: to enhance food safety systems while strengthening Kenya’s agricultural value chains. By focusing on critical areas like the diary, horticulture and aquaculture, it addressed long standing challenges such as skill gaps, outdated infrastructure, and limited market access.
Rebecca Amukhoye, Chief ExecutiveOfficer MESPT, reflected on the programme’s journey during the event: “The AgriFI programme has proven the power of collaboration in transforming agriculture. It has shown us what is possible when we come together to tackle challenges and create lasting solutions.”
Key Achievements of the AgriFI programme
The AgriFI food safety programme has left a legacy in transforming Kenya’s agricultural sector and equipping it for the future. One of the programme’s most impactful contributions has been the empowerment of farmers and stakeholders across the country. Through targeted training initiatives, over 18,000 value chain actors have gained essential knowledge in food safety and sustainable practices. Additionally, more than 500 trainers were certified, enabling them to further disseminate this expertise within their communities. This cascade of knowledge has created a network of informed and capable individuals, driving progress in food safety and agricultural practices across the thirteen target counties. They include : Nyandarua, Nakuru, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, Embu, Meru, Makueni, Machakos, Kilifi, Migori, Kisii, Kakamega and Bungoma.
Another significant achievement is the modernization of agricultural technical and vocational education and training (ATVET) centres. The programme upgraded thirteen centres with improved facilities and enhanced curricula, ensuring that future generations are equipped with the skills needed for a competitive agricultural sector. By aligning training with the latest standards in food safety and sustainable farming, these centres now stand as pillars of innovation and education in the sector.
The AgriFI programme also made major strides in improving market infrastructure. In five counties—Nakuru, Nyandarua, Meru, Kilifi, and Kisii—wet markets were rehabilitated to meet modern hygiene and waste management standards. These upgrades have not only enhanced the safety and quality of food sold in these markets, but also provided vendors and consumers with healthier and more organized trading environments.

To strengthen governance and regulatory systems, the programme supported the development of twelve food safety policies and bills. Several of these policies have already been approved and implemented at the county level, ensuring a robust framework for food safety enforcement. The creation and adoption of these policies have bolstered the ability of local governments to uphold high standards in food safety, plant health, and animal health regulations.
Finally, the programme enhanced the regulatory framework by training hundreds of inspectors and improving coordination between county governments and national regulatory agencies. By streamlining these systems, the AgriFI initiative has ensured more effective enforcement of food safety standards. This harmonized approach has created a safer and more reliable food supply chain, benefiting both consumers and producers alike.Through these accomplishments, the AgriFI programme has set a strong foundation for Kenya’s agricultural sector, ensuring it remains competitive, resilient, and sustainable for years to come.
A boost to Kenya’s agricultural goals
The AgriFi programme’s contributions align seamlessly with Kenya’s Vision 2030 Bottom up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). By reducing post-harvest losses, improving hygiene and expanding market access, the initiative has advanced key national goals such as job creation and food security.
Additionally, its contributions align seamlessly with Kenya’s Vision 2030 and the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). By reducing post-harvest losses, improving hygiene, and expanding market access, the initiative has advanced key national goals such as job creation and food security.
Smallholder farmers, often the backbone of Kenya’s agriculture, stand to benefit the most. With better skills, infrastructure, and support, they can now produce safer food while accessing broader markets. The programme has also fostered a culture of sustainability, encouraging responsible consumption and production in line with global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Strengthening communities and market systems
One of the programme’s most notable impacts has been the empowerment of local communities. Through targeted training and the introduction of modern agricultural techniques, farmers have gained valuable knowledge that has increased their productivity and profitability. The initiative’s emphasis on value chain competitiveness has not only helped farmers improve their operations but has also encouraged collaboration among farmer groups, cooperatives, and local businesses. This cooperative approach has created a more resilient market system where farmers are better equipped to navigate challenges and seize opportunities.
The programme also prioritized connecting farmers with key stakeholders, including local governments, food safety regulatory bodies, and private sector players. This network-building has proven instrumental in sharing best practices, facilitating policy discussions, and ensuring that farmers’ voices are heard in food safety and agricultural development conversations. The training and support given to regulatory agencies, like the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) and the Kenya Dairy Board, have equipped them to better serve the community, enhancing overall agricultural governance.
Lessons for the future
The accomplishments of the AgriFI programme serve as a reminder that progress in agriculture is an ongoing journey. The lessons learned throughout its seven-year period—ranging from the importance of coordinated policy development to the necessity of adaptive strategies in the face of climate change—highlight the need for continued commitment. Collaboration among stakeholders must remain at the forefront, as food safety and sustainable agriculture are dynamic fields that require constant innovation and support.
As Kenya continues to build on the AgriFI Programme’s legacy, it will be essential to focus on sustaining and expanding these gains. This means ensuring that the foundations laid—such as the trained inspectors, improved market infrastructures, and enhanced educational frameworks—are maintained and built upon. The experience gained from this programme can serve as a guide for future initiatives, providing insights into what works and where challenges remain.
As the AgriFI Food Safety programme concludes, its impact continues to resonate across Kenya’s agricultural landscape. The challenges of climate change, evolving consumer demands, and the need for sustainable practices persist, but the programme has established a solid foundation for addressing these complexities. By empowering farmers, modernizing infrastructure, and enhancing regulatory frameworks, the initiative has paved the way for a more resilient and competitive agricultural sector. The groundwork laid by AgriFI equips stakeholders with the tools and knowledge needed to navigate emerging challenges while seizing new opportunities in food safety and sustainable farming. The closing event was not just a celebration of achievements, but also a rallying call for continued action. As MESPT CEO Rebecca Amukhoye remarked : “This is not the end but a new beginning.” Her words encapsulate the spirit of the programme—a commitment to advancing safer food systems, building stronger markets, and improving livelihoods for all. The lessons learned and the partnerships forged during AgriFI’s tenure will serve as guiding principles for future efforts, ensuring that Kenya’s agricultural sector remains a beacon of innovation and progress. For farmers and stakeholders, the path ahead is one of resilience, collaboration, and the promise of a sustainable future in agriculture.