Nairobi |Kenya has signed a KSh34 billion agreement with the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) to support smallholder farmers and protect critical ecosystems. The deal, part of the Integrated Natural Resources Management Programme (INReMP), will run for eight years and target over two million people across ten counties.
The program focuses on restoring the Cherangany Hills and Mau West regions, which are among Kenya’s most important water towers. These areas supply millions with freshwater and sustain surrounding farmlands.
Principal Secretary for Agriculture Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh led the signing ceremony in Nairobi and described the agreement as a major milestone in strengthening food security and environmental protection.
“This is a historic moment. INReMP is more than a project it’s a promise to support our farmers, restore our forests, and build a better future for our children,” Dr. Ronoh said.
The initiative will fund large-scale reforestation, wetland conservation, and rangeland rehabilitation. Activities will be driven by local communities, including tree planting, agroforestry, and water conservation.
The program also includes training in climate-smart farming, market access support, and development of small-scale rural enterprises. Government officials confirmed that policy reforms will be part of the initiative to ensure lasting impact at both national and county levels.
INReMP aims to combat soil erosion, deforestation, and water scarcity all worsening under the strain of climate change and population growth.
Dr. Ronoh urged cooperation from public agencies, private investors, and local groups: “Let this signing not be the end, but the beginning of our shared journey. Let us build a Kenya that is food secure, ecologically balanced, and prosperous for all.”
The project is expected to deliver lasting benefits for farming communities while restoring natural buffers against drought and flood risks. The government views INReMP as a flagship for how Kenya can balance agricultural development with environmental recovery.
