Ruto Unveils Bold Plan to Rescue Farmers: Industrial Parks, Global Markets, and Orthodox Tea

Ruto Unveils Bold Plan to Rescue Farmers: Industrial Parks, Global Markets, and Orthodox Tea

President William Ruto has launched a sweeping strategy to transform Kenya’s agriculture and end decades of post-harvest losses. Speaking at the 2026 Nairobi International Trade Fair on Wednesday, he promised farmers a future of prosperity, powered by industrial parks, new markets, and smarter production.

“That Era Must End”—Ruto Slams Exporting Raw Products

Ruto condemned Kenya’s long-standing habit of exporting raw agricultural goods only to import them back as costly finished products.

“For decades, we have exported our tea, coffee, cotton, livestock, fish, and hides in raw form,” he said. “This model has denied farmers the full value of their work. That era must end,” he declared.

To reverse this, the government will build County Aggregation and Industrial Parks (CAIPs) in all 47 counties.

“No More Middlemen”—Industrial Parks to Empower Farmers

These parks will offer cold storage, warehousing, and processing facilities. Farmers will sell directly to buyers, cutting out exploitative middlemen.

“These industrial parks will link farmers directly to local and export markets,” Ruto explained. “This will raise earnings, create jobs, and keep more wealth in Kenya,” he added.

Additionally, the government will partner with private firms to build tea value-addition centres in Kericho, Nairobi, and Mombasa.

“We’re Going Global”—New Trade Deals to Open Lucrative Markets

Ruto emphasized that value addition alone isn’t enough. Farmers need access to buyers. That’s why Kenya has signed new trade agreements with the African Continental Free Trade Area, the European Union, China, and the UAE.

“These trade agreements are crucial. They give Kenyan products a bigger platform,” he said.

The goal is to grow value-added tea exports from 5% to 50% in the medium term.

“Support Is Coming”—Fertiliser, Loans, and Orthodox Tea Production

To boost production, the government will distribute 12.5 million bags of fertiliser in 2026. Already, 4.5 million bags have been procured for the short rains.

“We are investing in farmers. We are investing in food security,” Ruto affirmed.

Moreover, the Kenya Development Corporation has secured Ksh3.7 billion in concessional loans for KTDA farmers. These funds will modernize equipment, lower costs, and expand Orthodox tea production.

“Orthodox tea is the future. We must adapt,” Ruto urged.

This shift comes after a sharp drop in farmers’ bonuses, blamed on global market conditions.

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Ruto Unveils Bold Plan to Rescue Farmers: Industrial Parks, Global Markets, and Orthodox Tea