Tech leaders discuss Kenya’s role in smart farming

Kenya’s growing prominence in smart farming was recently highlighted at a forum where technology leaders, government officials, and agritech innovators convened to discuss the country’s potential as a leader in Africa’s agriculture technology sector. Participants emphasized how digital tools, including artificial intelligence (AI), drone monitoring, precision irrigation, and data analytics, are helping farmers optimize yields, reduce post-harvest losses, and make more informed decisions. Discussions focused on strategies to expand innovation, improve digital skills, and ensure ethical and inclusive adoption of technology nationwide.
The forum underscored the importance of national initiatives that support smart farming, such as the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy launched on 27 March 2025, which provides a roadmap for integrating AI into agriculture and other key sectors, and the Kenya AI Skilling Alliance (KAISA) launched on 29 October 2025, which offers mentorship, training, and resources for innovators and startups. Highlighted projects included AI-assisted crop disease detection, automated solar-powered irrigation systems, and predictive market analytics—examples of how Kenyan innovators are applying technology to transform both rural and urban agriculture.
Experts noted that Kenya’s leadership in smart farming creates opportunities for investment, entrepreneurship, and regional collaboration. They emphasized the need for robust infrastructure, inclusive access, and ethical AI practices to ensure long-term impact. Looking ahead, tech leaders agreed that Kenya is well-positioned to drive innovation in agriculture, enhance food security, and set a benchmark for technology-driven farming solutions across Africa.