Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has called on Kenyans to consider leasing unused government land as part of efforts to tackle the country’s persistent food shortages.

Speaking during the official opening of the Nakuru Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) National Show, Kagwe disclosed that the country continues to face significant deficits in essential food items such as rice, wheat, palm oil, cotton, and yellow maize.

He emphasized that the private sector has a crucial role to play in addressing these gaps by utilizing idle public land for food and livestock crop cultivation.

Kagwe singled out parcels managed by the Agricultural Development Corporation and the Kenya Prisons Service as prime land available for leasing, encouraging investors to tap into agriculture for national food security. He underscored the importance of boosting domestic production, pointing out that Kenya currently imports 92% of its wheat and 75% of its rice.

Highlighting success stories, the CS pointed to the leasing of state-owned sugar factories like Mumias and Nzoia as effective public-private partnerships that have revived sugar production. As a result, he noted that this year, Kenya has not had to import sugar or maize for the first time in years.

This year’s Nakuru ASK Show drew in 150 exhibitors, including 35 newcomers, reflecting growing enthusiasm for the trade fair and agricultural innovation.

Nakuru Deputy Governor David Kones lauded the increase in participation, saying it signifies progress in spreading agricultural knowledge to local communities, which is expected to lead to improved productivity. He also reaffirmed the county's commitment to reviving pyrethrum farming, revealing that 36.4 million seedlings have been distributed in the past two years with support from the national government.

Among the top exhibitors were the Kenya Ports Authority (KPA) and the Kenya Tea Development Authority, with KPA bagging 11 awards for aligning closely with the show’s theme: "Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Growth."

KPA Show Chairman Peter Odera reiterated the agency’s dedication to efficient operations and environmentally sustainable practices, including the adoption of green energy solutions to lower emissions.

Other award-winning participants included Kenya Seed Company, the Kenya Prisons Service, KARLO Njoro, Egerton University, and Kabarak University.

The next ASK Show is scheduled to take place in Kisumu in two weeks.