Projects

Achievements of AIN

Some of the achievements of AIN include but are not limited to:
Nairobi, Friday, December 3rd 2021, The Agricultural Industry Network (AIN) with the support of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development has launched a project on Elimination of food contaminants through capacity building. It is expected that during the planned capacity building forums SMEs in the agro processing sector will undergo through a capacity building programme aimed at addressing gaps in food safety. The agro-processing industry plays a vital role in the Kenyan manufacturing sector as agricultural commodities are transformed into value added consumables that meet both local needs and export requirements. As increased agricultural production is envisaged, there is need to have proportionate improvement in the agro-processing industry. Over the last decade, agro-processing sector has faced serious challenges in ensuring the safety of their products and their suitability for consumption. In 2016, the Kenya Dairy Board arrested processors supplying milk containing hydrogen peroxide to consumers . While in 2018 an operation netted sugar, cooking oil and rice contaminated with carcinogenic substances and not fit for human consumption . Manufacturers failed to conduct sufficient testing and quality assurance, this led to deadly levels of mercury contamination that was only discovered after the sugar had been processed and sold to consumers. . Poisonous levels of aflatoxins have reportedly killed at least 157 people in Kenya and in 2019, the Kenya Bureau of Standards flagged and penalized several maize and peanut processors involved in the production and sale of products with prohibited levels of aflatoxin, causing widespread public concern. The capacity enhancement measures will include engagement with enforcement agencies on food safety include the Kenya Bureau of Standards(KEBs), Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) and County Government’s Departments of Public Health. Training and firm level coaching will be undertaken on Food safety (legal and regulatory provisions); Sustainable packaging methods; Quality control mechanisms; Hygiene and premises maintenance;Storage technologies and reverse logistics; Digital tools to enhance transparency & traceability; Energy, water and waste management (EPR); International food safety management system such as HACCP; Finance models and fund raising. For more information, please Contact: Moses Kiambuthi, Policy Research & Advocacy Officer Agricultural Industry Network. Tel: 0775771224; email info@ain.co.ke, moses.kiambuthi@gmail.com

AIN arranged high profile advocacy workshops that was successful to address the initial changes to the ALFA Act and Regulations. There were some amendments to the extent that Livestock and Fisheries were removed from the Act and renamed Agriculture Food Authority Act, 2016.  

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Co-operatives launched agricultural reform Bills for public participation on the 15th of October, 2021 in five core areas: 

  • the Coffee Bill, 2020;
  • the Fibre Crops Development Authority Bill, 2020;
  • the Food Crops Development Bill 2020;
  • the Horticulture Crops Authority Bill, 2020; and
  • the Miraa, Pyrethrum, and Industrial Crops Bill 2020.

These Government-sponsored bills are part of on-going agricultural reforms that seek to increase the farmers’ incomes, in line with the Big 4 Agenda and the Agriculture Growth and Transformation Strategy (ASTGS).

It is as a result of AIN advocacy campaign that the Government initiated a framework for formulating the Agricultural Policy. AIN has actively engaged and provided input into the development of the Agriculture Policy. It has provided input into Draft 3, Draft 5 and into the final Agriculture Policy Document, through a Policy Sub-Committee co-chaired by the Ministry and AIN/KEPSA, with the authorization of the Cabinet Secretary Agriculture. The approval of the Agricultural Policy is expected any time now.
AIN has, finally, been able to pressurise the Government to remove some of the levies on coffee, tea and sugar cane. On-going consultations are underway which include, Government departments and agencies, lobbying Parliamentary Committee (and Senator Committees) on Agriculture, in addition to implementing a network media strategy.
In view of its strategic position, AIN has been invited to, has arranged and organized the following forums: • Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries in respect to the Agricultural Policy, AFFA Act and Regulations, Climate change among others. • Ministry of Lands and Housing and National Land Commission in respect to expiry of Land leases and amendments to the Land legislation. • Institute of Surveyors of Kenya and the Land Governance Development Institute in respect to expiry of Land leases and amendments to the Land legislation. • Agribusiness Business to Business forum in collaboration with the Embassy of Israel at the Kempinski Hotel, Nairobi • And many other forums at County level, Nationally, Regionally and Internationally.
AIN has over the past six years received BAF funding support for Advocacy and the Network Project to meet administrative expenses related to monthly Board, Board Committee and members meetings. AIN has equally received support from Agri Profocus, ASCU, ACT, Africa Lead and Innovate to change among others. AIN is a member of and works closely with the Agriculture Sector Board of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA) and the Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET).
AIN projects have been undertaken by the Research and Policy Advisers. The projects are the Agricultural Policy and Privatization of Agricultural Parastatals.
  1. Cereal Growers Association, (CGA) on Agricultural Produce Cess 2. East Africa Grain Council, (EAGC) on hermetic bags technologies.
  2. East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA) on Tea value chain
  3. Seed Trade Association of Kenya (STAK) on Review of Seed Policy
  4. Kenya Coffee Producers Association (KCPA) on Coffee value chain
  5. Association of Kenyan Feed Manufacturers (AKEFEMA) on Animal Feeds Bill
  6. Agrochemical on PCB Bill
  7. Association of Kenya Fish Processors & Exporters on Fisheries Regulations
  8. Kenya Horticulture Council (KHC) & Kenya Flower Council (KFC) on Institutionalizing Food safety
  9. Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) on amalgamation of livestock laws
  10. Kenya Rural SACCOs Union (KERUSSU) on the review of the National Co-operative Policy
  11. AIN on Agricultural Policy
  12. East African Tea Trade Association (EATTA) on National Tea Policy, Tea Bill and Tea Regulations