Kenya has been officially confirmed as the host of the 2026 World Farmers’ Organisation (WFO) Annual Meeting, marking a major milestone for the country’s agricultural sector and its global standing in farmer-led policy leadership.
The high-profile gathering will take place in Nairobi from 8–11 June 2026, bringing together leaders of farmers’ organisations from 65 countries, alongside policymakers, financial institutions, private sector representatives, scientists and multilateral agencies.
The event will be hosted by the Kenya National Farmers’ Federation (KENAFF) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
Global Platform for Farmers
The 2026 meeting will be held under the theme:
“Future Fields: Investing in Farmers’ Organisations and Empowering Communities for Sustainable Agriculture.”
Welcoming the announcement, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mutahi Kagwe, described the decision as a significant recognition of Kenya’s farmers and their contribution to food security and economic growth.
“We welcome this meeting in June in Kenya. It is an honor for our country,” CS Kagwe said. “Farming is no longer about subsistence. Farming is about money. It is about decent earnings. It is about commercial transformation powered by young people and technology.”
He stressed that farmers remain central to the food value chain, noting that global food security depends on strengthening their role.
“People across the world rarely think about how food gets to their table. But somewhere, a farmer has put in sweat and blood. Food security and food independence depend entirely on farmers. When we say ‘farmer first,’ we make different and better policy decisions,” he said.
Focus on Youth, Innovation and Financing
The Nairobi meeting is expected to highlight youth engagement in agriculture, digital transformation, soil health management, equitable agricultural trade and access to financing for farmers.
Delegates will also tour farms across Kenya to showcase the country’s technology-driven agricultural ecosystem and commercial farming models.
The Secretary General of the World Farmers’ Organisation, Andrea Porro, said the annual meeting provides a global platform where policy discussions are shaped directly by farmers’ real-life experiences.
“Financing still fails to reach farmers adequately. We cannot talk about sustainability without ensuring farmers earn decent incomes. Farming is not a hobby—it is a profession that must provide dignified livelihoods,” Porro said.
He further noted that generational renewal remains a pressing challenge worldwide, with many countries struggling to attract young people into agriculture.
“Feeding people is the most noble career. Europe and Africa are among our largest constituencies, and Kenya has been a lighthouse for farmer organization and innovation,” he added.
Kenya’s Agricultural Leadership
Founded in 1946 and widely known as Sauti ya Mkulima (The Farmers’ Voice), KENAFF has played a central role in strengthening farmer advocacy and representation at ward, county and national levels.
Hosting the 2026 World Farmers’ Organisation Annual Meeting is expected to reinforce Kenya’s position as a continental leader in farmer-driven and technology-powered agriculture.
As preparations begin, stakeholders say the event will not only elevate Kenya’s agricultural diplomacy but also attract investment opportunities aimed at empowering farmers and enhancing sustainable food systems globally.
