Kenya has voiced strong support for a Brazil-led initiative aimed at strengthening global food security and fighting poverty, emphasizing the need for enhanced South–South cooperation to address climate-induced threats and rising hunger.
Representing President William Ruto at the 2nd Brazil–Africa Dialogue on Food Security, Hunger and Rural Development, National Assembly Speaker Moses Masika Wetang’ula praised Brazil’s global leadership on food issues and urged for deeper collaboration among developing nations to build resilient and inclusive food systems.
“We are here because the challenges facing food systems today, from climate change and biodiversity loss to economic shocks and conflict are unprecedented and demand urgent, inclusive, and evidence-based solutions,” Wetang’ula said.
Citing the 2025 Global Report on Food Crises, which indicates that over 295 million people in 53 countries faced crisis-level hunger in 2024, Speaker Wetang’ula highlighted Kenya’s proactive shift from emergency food aid to long-term resilience-building strategies.
He outlined Kenya’s reforms, including the use of digital technologies for real-time farming data, inclusive agricultural finance, and programs that empower youth and women in food production. Initiatives such as e-voucher systems for farm inputs, urban hydroponic farms, and school feeding programs tied to smallholder farmers were also noted as critical innovations.
“These efforts reflect our national commitment to end hunger and build sustainable food systems,” he said. “Kenya is proud to be part of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.”
The Speaker also underscored the importance of intra-African trade through the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and called for expanded cooperation with Brazil. He described Brazil as a key trade partner, with growing exchanges in fish, coffee, tea, and agriculture.
Highlighting Brazil’s support for Kenya’s cotton industry via the Cotton Victoria Project, Wetang’ula expressed interest in learning from Brazil’s livestock and sugar sectors. Brazil is the world’s largest beef exporter and a global leader in sugar production, areas where Kenya aims to boost performance.
“Livestock contributes around 12% of our GDP,” he said. “We are keen to learn from Brazil on how to scale our sector beyond local markets.”
The Kenyan delegation, which included Nominated MP Hon. Sabina Chege, Hon. Zaheer Jhanda, and Mr. Stephen Apopo, also encouraged Brazil and MERCOSUR to expand South–South trade with East African nations, promoting shared growth across both regions.
Nominated MP Sabina Chege (Courtesy)
Finally, Kenya lauded Brazil’s G20 Presidency and its successful push for the African Union’s inclusion in the forum.
“This move has amplified Africa’s voice in global economic discourse,” Wetang’ula concluded. “Kenya remains committed to the global mission of eradicating hunger and poverty through inclusive, cooperative action.”
Written By Rodney Mbua
