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.

 

A series of conferences have provided a platform in 2024 for discussions on the role of emerging technologies in agriculture. The Drones and AI Conference held in March 2024 focused on the integration of AI-powered analytics and drone technology to enhance farm management practices. Experts shared insights on how AI-driven models improve decision-making through data analysis, while drones facilitate precision spraying, crop health monitoring, and mapping. The African Elevate Summit in June 2024 brought together innovators and policymakers to explore agricultural digital transformation, emphasizing the need for collaboration in ensuring accessibility and affordability of precision technologies. The 3rd African Conference on Precision Agriculture (AfCPA) took place from December 3-5, 2024, with a main site in Marrakech, Morocco, and regional satellite sites, including Kenya. Discussions revolved around enhancing sustainable farming through technology, soil health optimization, AI applications in yield prediction, and the role of national agricultural big data systems in driving precision farming.

 

Key discussions in these conferences showed the necessity of leveraging technology to address production variability and increase efficiency. Precision agriculture tools such as multispectral imaging, AI-driven yield estimation, and machine learning-based weed identification were highlighted as essential innovations. The role of national digital registries in supporting precision farming through data-driven advisories was also emphasized, showing how big data can enhance decision-making and resource allocation. Additionally, stakeholders recognized the need for improved policies to support the adoption of drone technology, data integration, and AI applications in agriculture.

 

Regional collaborations such as the Africa Precision Agriculture Conference (AFPAC), International society for Precision Agriculture have played a crucial role in advancing precision agriculture by fostering knowledge-sharing and best practices among different African nations. These collaborations have provided a platform for policymakers, researchers, and agribusiness leaders to discuss strategies for scaling precision agriculture across diverse agroecological zones. Participants have emphasized the importance of leveraging technology to improve food security, enhance climate resilience, and drive sustainable agricultural practices.

 

Despite these advancements, several challenges persist in the widespread adoption of precision agriculture in Kenya. The high cost of technology limited digital literacy among smallholder farmers, data accessibility constraints, and regulatory hurdles remain significant barriers. Efforts are being made to develop policies that streamline drone registration, data privacy regulations, and AI deployment in agriculture. Additionally, stakeholders continue to emphasize the need for capacity-building initiatives to equip farmers and agricultural professionals with the necessary skills to utilize precision agriculture tools effectively.

 

To improve adoption, key measures need to be taken, including providing financial incentives such as subsidies and grants for farmers adopting precision agriculture technologies, strengthening partnerships between research institutions and private sector players to develop cost-effective solutions, and enhancing digital literacy through farmer training programs. Furthermore, increased investment in infrastructure, including reliable internet access and data management systems, will be crucial in ensuring that smallholder farmers can benefit from precision agriculture advancements.

 

The major takeaways from these discussions that occurred in 2024 indicate that Kenya is making significant strides in adopting precision agriculture, but there is a need for increased collaboration among researchers, industry players, and policymakers to accelerate implementation. Investment in digital infrastructure, regulatory frameworks, and farmer capacity-building remains crucial. Emerging technologies such as AI and drones present transformative opportunities, and their integration into agricultural systems will be key to ensuring food security, sustainability, and economic growth. These discussions reaffirmed the commitment of stakeholders to drive precision agriculture forward, positioning Kenya as a leader in agricultural technology adoption in Africa.