The Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) is a State Corporation under the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries, and Cooperatives. Its main role is to regulate, develop, and promote scheduled crops value chains to enhance agricultural productivity and economic growth in Kenya.
The Agriculture and Food Authority Act established AFA to implement the Crops Act. AFA replaced several agricultural boards, including:
✔ Coffee Board of Kenya
✔ Kenya Sugar Board
✔ Tea Board of Kenya
✔ Horticultural Crops Development Authority
✔ Pyrethrum Board of Kenya
✔ Cotton Development Authority
✔ Kenya Sisal Board
✔ Kenya Coconut Development Authority
🔹 Functions of the Agriculture and Food Authority
1️⃣ Regulation of Agricultural Value Chains
✔ Regulate production, processing, marketing, grading, storage, and warehousing of agricultural products.
✔ Ensure best practices in the agricultural sector.
✔ Monitor and register players in the industry.
2️⃣ Research & Development
✔ Identify research priorities in the agricultural sector.
✔ Collaborate with research institutions to improve crop yields.
3️⃣ Data Collection & Market Information
✔ Collect and maintain a database on agricultural products.
✔ Provide market intelligence to stakeholders.
4️⃣ Policy & Advisory Role
✔ Advise national and county governments on agricultural levies and sector policies.
✔ Enhance harmony in agricultural taxation and equitable resource distribution.
5️⃣ Collaboration & Partnerships
✔ Partner with county governments for efficient agricultural development.
✔ Collaborate with international bodies to enhance agricultural growth.
🔹 Powers of the Agriculture and Food Authority
✔ Enter into contracts and agreements.
✔ Manage and administer assets for the benefit of the agricultural sector.
✔ Determine financial provisions for capital and recurrent expenditure.
✔ Receive and disburse grants, gifts, and donations.
✔ Form partnerships with local & international entities for agricultural promotion.
✔ Open and operate bank accounts for its funds.
✔ Invest funds for agricultural development.
🔹 Management of the Agriculture and Food Authority
The AFA Board oversees its management and consists of:
✔ Chairperson – Appointed by the President.
✔ Principal Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture.
✔ Principal Secretary, Ministry of Finance.
✔ Principal Secretary, Ministry of Lands.
✔ Eight farmers’ representatives from key crop sub-sectors (appointed by the Cabinet Secretary in consultation with the Council of Governors).
✔ Director-General – Serves as the CEO & Secretary to the Board.
🔹 Summary of AFA’s Key Responsibilities
| Function | Role |
|---|---|
| Regulation & Oversight | Manage crop production, marketing, and storage. |
| Data Collection | Maintain agricultural databases and monitor production trends. |
| Research & Innovation | Guide scientific advancements in crop farming. |
| Policy Advisory | Recommend taxation and agricultural levies. |
| Market Development | Ensure market access for Kenyan farmers. |
| International Cooperation | Partner with global agricultural institutions. |
🔹 Conclusion
✔ AFA plays a critical role in agricultural regulation, research, and market development in Kenya.
✔ It replaced former crop boards to streamline governance and promote efficiency.
✔ Works closely with county governments, research institutions, and international partners to improve Kenya’s agricultural sector.
