Strengthening the Pathway to Resilience: A New Chapter for MEPST and Kenya’s Agri- Food System

On April 15, 2026, MESPT officially launched its 2026–2030 Strategic Plan, themed “Strengthening the Pathway to Resilience,” marking a significant step toward building a more inclusive, climate-resilient, and economically vibrant agricultural sector in Kenya.

The event, officiated by Mr. Henry Rithaa, Director General and Chief Executive Officer of the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA), brought together government, financial institutions, development partners, and communities creating space not just to present a strategy, but to reflect on the realities shaping agriculture today and the collective action needed to move forward.

Through panel discussions, young agripreneurs shared their journeys from starting small enterprises to building impactful businesses across agricultural value chains. Their stories highlighted both progress and persistent barriers, particularly in accessing finance, and skills. Financial institutions also contributed their perspectives, offering practical insights into the complexities of agricultural lending and the need for more inclusive, responsive financial solutions.

These conversations reinforced a central message: the future of agriculture depends on stronger systems. MESPT’s new strategy reflects this shift moving from direct implementation to strengthening last-mile partners and ecosystems that can sustain impact beyond individual programmes.

At the heart of the strategy is a bold ambition to scale access to responsive agri and green financial services while supporting Kenya’s transition to an inclusive, climate-resilient agri-food system. By 2030, MESPT aims to reach 500,000 smallholder farmers, with a strong focus on women and youth, while strengthening 100 financial partners and 500 SMEs and cooperatives, and creating 100,000 jobs and income opportunities.

Emphasizing the importance of building sustainable systems, Mr. Henry Rithaa noted:
We must build strong systems financial, market, and institutional that deliver impact long after individual programs end.

Similarly, MESPT Board Chairman Noah Meely highlighted the need to respond to evolving agricultural realities:
Our goal is to ensure that even the most determined farmer has the financial tools and market linkages necessary to thrive in an increasingly complex environment.

Adding to this vision, MESPT CEO Rebecca Amukhoye underscored the organisation’s forward-looking commitment:
We want to catalyze green and climate investment in Kenya for a just transition, and we want to strengthen partner institutional capacity and mobilize more funding to support our agenda.

To deliver on this ambition, the strategy is anchored on four interconnected pillars: expanding inclusive agri and green finance, strengthening business development services and market-led growth, advancing climate adaptation and sustainability, and strengthening systems, partnerships, and policy. Together, these pillars reflect a holistic approach one that connects finance, markets, and resilience to unlock opportunity at scale.

As the event concluded, it was clear that this was not just the launch of a strategy, but a call to action a call to strengthen partnerships, align efforts, and build systems that work for farmers, enterprises, and the future of Kenya’s agriculture.