Kenya Partners with United Green to Revolutionize Agri-Fintech and Food Security

NAIROBI – In a landmark move to enhance food security and reduce dependency on food imports, Kenya has embarked on a significant partnership with United Green. The Kenya Development Corporation (KDC) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with United Green, focusing on an innovative agri-fintech initiative that is expected to cut Kenya’s food import costs by US$200 million annually.

According to Kenya News Agency, This US$275 million investment aims to develop advanced climate-smart agri-food systems, enhancing food security in Kenya and the broader region. The initiative will prioritize high productivity, climate-smart farming practices, and state-of-the-art agroprocessing facilities, according to the Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry.

Over the next five years, more than 100,000 rural households in Kenya are set to gain access to new markets as a result of this agreement. Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano, speaking at the signing ceremony, emphasized the project’s alignment with Kenya’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). “This project will provide leadership and prudent investment to develop inclusive, scalable, and high-productivity agri-food systems,” Miano stated.

Rod Basset, Chief Investment Officer at United Green, expressed satisfaction with the partnership, highlighting its role in combating climate change and bolstering regional food security. “Our collaboration with KDC and the Kenyan Government is a testament to our commitment to delivering sustainable solutions in the agricultural sector,” Basset remarked.

KDC Director General Norah Ratemo echoed these sentiments, noting the partnership’s significance in adapting to climate change and enhancing food security. “KDC is dedicated to fostering resilience across the agricultural sector and working with various stakeholders to implement innovative climate-adaptive solutions,” Ratemo said.

Neil Wigan, British High Commissioner to Kenya, praised the collaboration between United Green and the Kenyan Government, noting its transformative potential in Kenya’s agri-food sector. “This investment aligns with the Kenyan government’s focus on agricultural transformation and will significantly enhance food security,” Wigan noted.

The project will center on several strategic objectives, including sustainable farming, improved nutrition, job creation with a focus on women and youth, and building inclusive consumer markets.

KDC’s role in this venture is to facilitate sustainable economic development through development finances, infrastructure finance, business support, and advisory services. Their model includes partnering with the private sector to drive development and economic growth in Kenya.