Kenya and Zambia deepen agricultural cooperation with new initiatives

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe paid a courtesy call to Zambia’s Minister of Agriculture, Reuben Mutolo, on Thursday and held talks on establishing institutional ties between agricultural bodies in the two nations.

This will see institutional linkages between the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO), Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), and Zambia’s Seed Control and Certification Institute.

These efforts aim to enhance cooperation in seed research, certification and exchange, particularly for yellow maize, sunflower, and napier grass.

Kenya has previously imported sunflower seeds from Zambia, and the two nations are looking to secure access to climate-resilient and high-yield varieties.

They also held talks on vaccine production, where Kagwe expressed readiness to export veterinary vaccines to Zambia as part of broader regional health and livestock management strategies.

Minister Mutolo proposed the convening of a regional meeting of Agriculture Ministers to advance a joint agenda on food independence and mutual support. 

CS Kagwe welcomed the proposal, noting it aligns with Kenya’s commitment to regional food security and resilience.

The Zambian minister also assured that his ministry would facilitate links with Zambia’s Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, paving the way for a broader bilateral cooperation framework.

Both countries are currently investing in agricultural development and increasing productivity to ensure sustainable food systems.