Kenya

Kenya has a varied climate, with arid and semi-arid areas in the north and east, while the central and western regions experience more temperate conditions due to higher altitudes.

Agriculture plays a vital role in Kenya’s economy, contributing about 33% to its GDP and providing employment for over 75% of the rural population. The sector faces challenges such as fluctuating rainfall patterns, frequent droughts, and soil degradation, which significantly affect smallholder farmers who are key to the country’s agricultural output. Despite these challenges, Kenya is a leader in agricultural innovation in the region, with a growing agritech ecosystem that aims to boost productivity, improve resilience, and create sustainable farming practices.

IWMI in Kenya

IWMI’s work in Kenya focuses on empowering smallholder farmers through the adoption of localized, science-based agritech innovations. Through Agritech4Kenya, IWMI supports the development and scaling of agritech solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of Kenyan farmers, helping to improve productivity and adapt to changing climate conditions. Additionally, IWMI explores the legitimacy of inclusive innovation processes, particularly through the perspectives of smallholder farmers in Uasin Gishu, ensuring that innovations are designed with their input and benefit in mind. By combining technology, knowledge-sharing, and community engagement, IWMI aims to create a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape in Kenya.

Projects in Kenya

Latest Kenya news

Ethiopia and Kenya to benefit from solar-powered technologies 

The Solar Energy for Agricultural Resilience (SoLAR) project in Ethiopia and Kenya aims to strengthen food systems and improve climate resilience …

Machine learning, earth observation and community insights will enhance flood risk management in Kenya 

IWMI is working with stakeholders in Kenya’s Turkana County on an innovative flood detection and forecasting model that will deliver more accurate and timely early warning information to communities …

Solarizing will make agriculture resilient in South Asia and East Africa 

Supported by the Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), the SoLAR project will build on proven models approaches to scale the use solar energy for agriculture through policy, finance …

Coordinated investment in irrigation is key to Kenya’s future

Climate-smart, inclusive irrigation solutions empower Kenya’s farmers …

Latest Kenya publications

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Journal Article

Assessment of combined nutrients and pesticides grey water footprint in a Sub-Saharan African lake catchment

Elsevier | December, 2025
Onyango, J.; Simaika, John; Kitaka, N.; Irvine, K.
Open Access
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Other

IWMI in East Africa – fact sheet

International Water Management Institute (IWMI) | June 11th, 2025
International Water Management Institute
Open Access
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Journal Article

Predicting turbidity dynamics in small reservoirs in Central Kenya using remote sensing and machine learning

Elsevier | February, 2025
Steinbach, S.; Bartels, A.; Rienow, A.; Kuria, B. T.; Zwart, Sander J.; Nelson, A.
Open Access