Heifer pushes feed and fodder financing as Kenya launches US$8.4B agriculture investment plan

KENYA – Sustainable financing for feed and fodder systems has emerged as a key priority at the Financing Agri-food Systems Sustainably (FINAS) Summit 2026, with Heifer International urging greater investment in livestock feed value chains as Kenya launched a KSh1.081 trillion (US$8.4 billion) agricultural investment framework.

The discussions come as rising feed costs, climate change and recurring droughts continue to pressure livestock producers across Kenya and the wider region.

The investment framework was launched during the opening of the summit at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi. 

It forms part of the National Agri-food Systems Investment Plan (NASIP) 2026-2030, which seeks to modernise agricultural value chains, strengthen food security and mobilise public and private investment.

Principal Secretary for Agriculture Jonathan Mueke said the plan represents one of Kenya’s largest agricultural investment programmes.

“At the heart of NASIP is a fully costed investment framework of KSh1.081 trillion over the next five years,” he said.

Mueke added that the funding will come through a partnership in which the national and county governments will contribute 35%, the private sector 45%, and development partners the remaining 20%.

Feed and fodder financing in focus

Building on the national investment agenda, Heifer International is using FINAS 2026 to advocate for stronger financing mechanisms for sustainable feed and fodder systems, arguing that livestock productivity depends on greater investment in forage production and feed supply chains.

One of the organisation’s featured sessions examines financing pathways for sustainable feed and fodder systems, focusing on improving access to capital for producers, feed businesses, and other actors in the livestock value chain.

The discussions also explore how financing can be combined with technical skills, enterprise development and market access to build more resilient dairy and livestock sectors.

Speaking at the summit, FSD Kenya Chief Executive Officer Rashmi Pillai said that financing models must better reflect the realities farmers face.

“As a sector, we need inclusive finance for sustainable agri-food systems. These systems should work for MSMEs and small-scale farmers to get financial support which works for them.”

She added that stakeholders must continue building financial systems that place farmers at the centre of agricultural transformation.

The three-day summit has brought together governments, financial institutions, development partners, agribusinesses and farmer organisations to explore financing solutions for Africa’s food systems. 

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