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

Nothing is waste, only misplaced resources

Organic waste takes center stage this International Day of Zero Waste, but saving scraps is just the beginning …

Strong roots, inclusive futures

Throughout 2026, IWMI is highlighting the imperative role of women farmers in water security and climate resilience …

Why investing in women is the smartest water decision Africa can make 

IWMI’s Kehinde Ogunjobi explores how water insecurity and gender inequality reinforce one another, highlighting that inclusion must go beyond representation …

Innovative solar irrigation models inspire South–South learning

Community-managed solar irrigation in India offers scalable lessons for the Global South …

Latest Kenya publications

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Report

Scaling Agtech Innovation Bundles Across African Markets

International Water Management Institute | April 29th, 2026
Omondi, Joshua; TK, Christi; Nkosi, Mahlatse; Kamanda, Josey
Open Access
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Report

Deliberating Policy Coherence in Kenya’s Agricultural Input Systems: The Case of Biofertilizers

International Water Management Institute | March 30th, 2026
Ires, Idil
Open Access
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Journal Article

Many Partners, Big Numbers? Estimating the Reach of CGIAR – Supported Innovations in East and Southern Africa

Public Library of Science | March 30th, 2026
Ngoma, Hambulo; Mulungu, Kelvin; Manyanga, Mark; Simutowe, Esau; Mhlanga, Blessing; Hanke-Louw, Nora; Waswa, Boaz; Jacobs-Mata, Inga; Givertz, Evan; Thierfelder, Christian
Open Access