By Violet Ochieng’, ISPA's Kenya Country Representative

The status of precision agriculture in Kenya is evolving rapidly, driven by advancements in technology such as drones, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data. The country has witnessed increased adoption of precision farming techniques aimed at optimizing input use, improving crop productivity, and addressing challenges such as climate change and food security. Various stakeholders, including research institutions, private sector players, and policymakers, are actively working to scale up precision agriculture solutions through research, training, and policy development.

Currently, approximately 20% of agricultural technology companies in Kenya are involved in drone-based solutions for precision agriculture, focusing on aerial imaging, crop monitoring, and precision spraying. Research organizations contribute about 15% to precision agriculture innovations, mainly through studies on AI-driven analytics, soil health assessment, and precision irrigation models. However, farmer adoption rates remain relatively low, with an estimated 10-15% of commercial and large-scale farmers utilizing precision agriculture tools, while smallholder adoption lags due to cost constraints and limited technical knowledge.

 

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