Kenya and USAID Launch Ksh10 Billion Agri-Tech Fund

USAID and the Kenyan government have launched a Ksh10 billion AgriTech Innovation Fund to support startups using AI, drones, and IoT in farming. The fund, managed by FinAfrica and AGRA, will provide grants and equity to 100 early-stage ventures over three years. Priority sectors include climate-smart irrigation, post-harvest loss reduction, and digital marketplaces. Beneficiaries include Apollo Agriculture (satellite-based credit) and SunCulture (solar water pumps). The initiative targets youth and women agripreneurs in ASAL counties. Over 5 million smallholders are expected to benefit from scaled solutions by 2027, boosting food security and rural incomes.