Lack of political goodwill hampers food security – People Daily

Kenya is facing growing threats to food security, with analysts warning that the root of the problem is not solely climate or economic shocks—but a lack of political goodwill. In a recent commentary, it was argued that while policies exist, the imOne of the major shortcomings is inadequate investment and coordination. For example, budgetary allocations to agriculture and food systems in Kenya remain low, and food-loss reduction strategies are delayed because of inadequate government goodwill in implementing the Strategy.
Additionally, county-level leadership has in some instances prioritised electoral projects over food-security programmes, undermining efforts to strengthen local production, storage, market access and nutrition.plementation, oversight and sustained commitment required to build resilient food systems are missing.The implications are significant. With millions of Kenyans already classified as food-insecure and the country’s hunger levels rising, the failure to translate policy into practice risks both human welfare and national stability.
Going forward, building food security will require far more than emergency relief: what’s needed is clear leadership, consistent funding, coordination across government levels, and the political will to prioritise food systems as central to national development—not just as a side agenda.