NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SOIL MANAGEMENT POLICY

REPUBLIC OF KENYA

MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, LIVESTOCK, FISHERIES AND COOPERATIVES

NATIONAL AGRICULTURAL SOIL

MANAGEMENT POLICY

September

2020

Foreword

The Agriculture sector is the mainstay of the Kenyan economy contributing about 27.3 per cent

of the GDP directly and another 25 percent indirectly through linkages with other sectors. The

sector contributes 75 per cent of industrial raw materials and 60 per cent of export earnings. The

sector accounts for 65 per cent of Kenya‟s total exports, 18 per cent and 60 per cent of the formal

and total employment respectively. To transform agriculture into a modern, innovative and

commercially oriented sector as envisioned in Kenya Vision 2030, it is imperative that land

productivity is improved and sustained through proper management of agricultural soils.

Kenya‟s agricultural soils perform a large number of economic and environmental functions.

Many industries, including farming and food production, forestry and tourism, depend on the

sustainable use of soils. Research shows our soils are generally in poor state. Therefore, there is

no room for complacency, and pressures on soils need to be taken seriously in order to check on

the current state of soil degradation. The most significant of those pressures are climate change,

soil erosion and loss of soil fertility. Whilst there are uncertainties as to how exactly the future

climate will impact on Kenya‟s soils, there is a risk that other threats like erosion, compaction,

loss of biodiversity and nutrient leaching could be exacerbated. We need to prepare for these

future challenges and enhance the soil‟s capacity to adapt to pressures under a changing climate.

The National Agricultural Soil Management Policy (NASMP) was developed with key

stakeholders from the 47 counties, with the aim of raising the awareness about the services that

our soils provide to society and the pressures they face. The aim of the Policy is to instigate a

process by which key stakeholders will work together to achieve better soil protection. The

multi-functionality of soil requires partnership and coordination with key delivery partners.

It is against this background, that this National Agricultural Soil Management Policy has been

developed. It proposes a wide range of measures and actions responding to key agricultural soil

issues and challenges. It provides a framework for an integrated approach to sustainable

management of agricultural soils in the country. The policy highlights the various challenges

facing our soils and proposes various policy measures to address them. It also recommends

strong institutional and governance measures to support the achievement of the desired

objectives.

Peter Munya, MGH.

Cabinet Secretary

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives

iii

Preface

Agriculture is one of the key drivers of Kenya‟s economy as envisaged in Vision 2030.

However, growth in the sector is constrained by low productivity due to declining soil fertility

and deteriorating soil health, among other factors. Various policies, strategies, legislations and

guidelines have scattered provisions for soil management but the country lacks a comprehensive

policy on sustainable soil management to address the challenges.

The need to put in place a policy framework to manage the country‟s soil resources has long

been recognized and several initiatives and programmes have been implemented in the past with

little success. In 2001, the Soil Fertility Initiative (SFI) task force was formed with technical and

financial assistance from the Regional Land Management Unit (RELMA/Sida). The major

outcome of the initiative was the National Soil Fertility Draft Policy Paper, 2006.

In 2015, an inter-ministerial Taskforce was formed to formulate, with assistance from the

German Technical Cooperation (GiZ), the National Agricultural Soil Management Policy

(NASMP). The NASMP has taken into consideration new developments arising from the

devolved system of governance as provided for in the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. The policy is

informed by the fact that some of the critical agricultural and environmental functions affecting

soil health and management have been devolved and there is need therefore to provide an

overarching soil and water management policy to provide the counties with the necessary

conservation and utilization guidelines.

This policy document is the product of a long development process with the concerted efforts of

stakeholders in the agricultural sector, particularly, institutions directly dealing with natural

resource management. A wide range of individuals and institutions in the private sector,

academia, civil society and government agencies and institutions have participated in the

process. I appreciate and recognize their efforts and contributions.

The document has eight chapters. Chapter One underscores the importance and contribution of

agriculture to food security and Kenya‟s national economy. It highlights several challenges such

as increasing soil erosion and land degradation; lack of a comprehensive policy and legislation

that focus on restoration and maintenance of agricultural soils and the reasons that have

necessitated the formulation of this Policy. Chapter Two reviews the status of sustainable

agricultural soil management in Kenya and highlights the key soil management issues and

challenges. The policy addresses the issues of governance through the current status of existing

policies, regulations and strategies related to the management of agricultural soils. Chapter Three

identifies the effects of agricultural soil management on the environment and in particular on the

emerging issues of climate change. Chapter Four deals with the role of research in technology

development, dissemination and utilization in agriculture soil management. Chapter Five deals

with the status and challenges in fertilizer development and investments in Kenya and Chapter

Six outlines the Implementation Plan for the Policy, with designated roles and responsibilities of

all parties. Lastly, Chapter Seven provides a framework for coordination, monitoring and

evaluation of the policy implementation.

This policy provides a framework for planning and implementation of agricultural soil

management programmes. I therefore call on all stakeholders to embrace the recommendations

that are contained in this policy towards ensuring effective soil quality management for

improved agricultural productivity.

Prof. Hamadi I. Boga, PhD, CBS

Principal Secretary

State Department for Crop Development and Agricultural Research

Acknowledgement

The successful development of the National Agricultural Soil Management Policy is the

culmination of a long and painstaking process which involved wide consultations and inputs of

various institutions and individuals without whose commitment the process output would have

been impossible to achieve. The State Department for Crop development and Agricultural

Research is particularly grateful to the Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock,

Fisheries and Cooperatives Hon. Peter Munya, MGH, for exemplary leadership and providing

the right working environment to facilitate development of the policy. The leadership of the

Principal Secretary Prof Hamadi Boga was critical to the completion of the process and his

contribution is therefore highly appreciated. The support and contribution of the Chairman,

Council of Governors H.E Hon. FCPA, Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya, EGH, CGJ. and the

Chairman of the Council of Governors‟ committee for agriculture and land, H.E. Muthomi Njuki

who made valuable and facilitated successful county stakeholder consultations are highly

appreciated.

The contributions and support from the County governments through their County Executive

Committee Members responsible for agriculture, the intergovernmental thematic working group

on policy and legislation, members of staff from the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, and

Fisheries technical directorates, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and

Cooperatives; National Environmental Management Authority, Kenya Agriculture and

Livestock Research Organization, Universities, private sectors and farmer organizations were

found very valuable and are highly appreciated.

Finally and of utmost importance, I acknowledge and appreciate the tireless efforts and

commitments demonstrated by the Inter-ministerial Technical Taskforce under the leadership of

Eng. Laban Kiplagat as the Coordinator and Mrs. Mary Githinji as Chair, with the support of

Lucy Njenga, Peter Owoko, Joseph Komu, Janet Oyuke, all of State Department for Crop

Development and Agricultural Research, Dr. Diana Mabogi (NEMA), Dr. Patrick Gicheru

(KALRO), Timothy Mwangi (Ministry of Lands ), Dan Kithinji (Ministry of Environment and

Forestry), Samuel Gutto and Phanuel Webi (Ministry of Water, Sanitation and Irrigation).

Special thanks also go to the staff of the sector ministries who provided information in one way

or another, without forgetting the contribution of the GIZ team comprising Dr. Andrea Bahm,

Gerrit Gerdes, Brun, Tom Apina and Shadrack Mutavi and the team of consultants namely

Professor Charles Gachene and Dr. George Ayaga. The GIZ is also appreciated for their

financial support to develop this policy.

Eng. Richard M. Kanui

Agriculture Engineering Secretary

Executive Summary

Agriculture is important in Kenya‟s national economy as it contributes 27.3% of the Gross

Domestic Product and the survival of the Kenyan population is thus directly dependent almost

entirely on soils to derive goods and services (KENBS-ESR, 2019). Despite this critical role, the

sector has been experiencing several challenges, among them, increasing soil erosion and land

degradation; inefficient use of fertilizers; inadequate and inappropriate soil and water

conservation measures; high cost of inputs and productive resources such as fertilizer; inadequate

knowledge and skills in agricultural soil management; and equally important lack of a

comprehensive policy and legislation that focuses on restoration and maintenance of agricultural

soils. The importance of soil‟s ecosystems to sustain human well-being was globally

demonstrated during the 68

UN General Assembly when the United Nations declared 2015 as

the International Year of Soils.

The Constitution of Kenya, 2010 assures Kenyans of the right to be free from hunger and to have

adequate food of acceptable quality (Article 43(c). Article 71 of the constitution requires

legislation on agreements relating to exploitation of natural resources. Under article 260, natural

resources mean the physical non- human factors and components whether renewable or non-

renewable including soil among others. The Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth

Strategy 2019-2029 (ASTGS) has also emphasized on adequate food of acceptable quality for

the Kenyan people in its Flagship Projects. It is therefore important that a National Agricultural

Soil Management Policy be put in place if the soils are to be restored and conserved for the

present and future generations. The provisions related to or alluding to soil as a resource for

increased agricultural production at the national government level policies and strategies include:

National Agricultural Sector Extension Policy 2012; Draft National Land Reclamation Policy

2013; Sessional Paper No 1 of 2017 on NLUP; National Environment Policy 2013; Draft

Agricultural Policy 2019; National Irrigation Policy 2017; National Forest Management Policy

2014, the National Food And Nutrition Security Policy 2011, Strategy for Revitalizing

Agriculture (SRA) 2004, Agriculture Sector Development Strategy 2010 – 2020; National

Climate Change Response Strategy 2010; Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth

Strategy 2019 - 2029 among others. At the county level, the functions assigned to County

governments by Kenya Gazette Supplement No. 116 of 9th August 2013 include implementation

of programmes in the agricultural sector to address food security in the county; development of

programmes to intervene on soil and water management and, conservation of the natural resource

base for agriculture. However, these various agricultural sub-sector policies and strategies that

have been developed or are under development have failed to directly address soil as an

important resource for sustained agricultural production. Therefore, this policy has been

developed to address the identified gaps. For effective soil management, the policy identified key

areas namely Sustainable agricultural soil management; Soil management and environment;

Technology development, dissemination and utilization; Fertilizer development and investments;

Policy, Legal and Institutional framework; Monitoring and Evaluation of the policy

implementation; and Implementation plan.

vii

Key challenges have been identified and corresponding interventions enumerated. The policy has

also identified the need to create an institutional framework for effective management and

enforcement of all issues pertaining to soil and water management.

During the implementation stage, this Policy will be complemented by institutional and legal

frameworks, sectoral strategies and county development strategies to provide an orderly and

rapid development of the agricultural soil management mechanisms and to create an enabling

environment for effective stakeholder participation. The policy will further seeks to stimulate

and guide the agricultural sector development through targeted technical support, intensified

investment in the sector, improved research and technology, extension services and capacity

building for both staff and farmer organizations to ensure development and sustainability of

agricultural soils.

To address the causes of declining soil productivity, it is therefore prudent that this policy, legal

and institutional frameworks on national agricultural soil management (NASM) be consistent

with the prevailing biophysical, socio-economic and technological conditions in the agricultural

sector. Therefore, legal and institutional framework are key to ensure regulated and coordinated

investment in agricultural soil management. This NASMP has been developed through wide and

intensive consultation amongst stakeholders. The suggested strategic interventions, legal

safeguards provide an enabling environment to support and fast track implementation of this

policy for the growth and sustainability of agricultural sector in Kenya.

viii

Table of Contents

Foreword ....................................................................................................................................................... ii

Preface ......................................................................................................................................................... iii

Executive Summary ..................................................................................................................................... vi

CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Background ................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1.1 History of soil and water conservation measures in Kenya .................................................. 2

1.1.2 Policy and legal framework .................................................................................................. 3

1.2 Importance of soils in the global arena ......................................................................................... 9

1.3 The importance of soils in the regional arena ............................................................................. 10

1.4 The importance of and challenges facing agricultural soil management in Kenya ..................... 11

1.5 The agricultural soil management under Devolution .................................................................. 12

1.6 Scope of the Policy ..................................................................................................................... 12

1.7 Rationale of the Policy ................................................................................................................ 13

1.8 Objectives ................................................................................................................................... 13

1.8.1 Broad Objective .................................................................................................................. 13

1.8.2 Specific Objectives ............................................................................................................. 13

CHAPTER 2: SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL SOIL AND WATER MANAGEMENT.................. 15

2.1. Soil and water conservation ............................................................................................................. 15

2.2. Soil Health ....................................................................................................................................... 16

2.2.1. Soil fertility decline ................................................................................................................... 16

2.2.2. Soil fertility replenishment ........................................................................................................ 17

2.2.2.4. Organic Agriculture ........................................................................................................ 21

2.2.2.5 Soil Biodiversity ..................................................................................................................... 22

2.3 Agroforestry ................................................................................................................................ 23

2.4 Land reclamation ........................................................................................................................ 24

2.5 Soil restoration and rehabilitation ............................................................................................... 25

2.6 Soil remediation .......................................................................................................................... 26

CHAPTER 3: SOIL MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENT ............................................................... 28

3.1 Effects of poor soil management on the environment ...................................................................... 28

3.2. Climate change and variability impacts on agricultural soils ..................................................... 29

3.3. Soil extractive Industries ............................................................................................................. 30

3.4. Infrastructure development and soil management ...................................................................... 31

CHAPTER 4: TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, DISSEMINATION AND UTILIZATION .............. 33

4.1. Research and development.......................................................................................................... 33

4.2. Dissemination and adoption of technologies .............................................................................. 34

CHAPTER 5: FERTILIZER DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENTS .................................................. 36

5.1. Fertilizer Access .......................................................................................................................... 36

5.2. Quality assurance ........................................................................................................................ 38

5.3. Soil management investments- soil testing ................................................................................. 39

5.4. Resource mobilization................................................................................................................. 40

CHAPTER 6: INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK .................................................................................... 41

6.1. Introduction ................................................................................................................................. 41

6.2. The National and County governments ...................................................................................... 41

6.3. Institutional Framework .............................................................................................................. 41

CHAPTER 7 COORDINATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION OF THE POLICY

IMPLEMENTATION ................................................................................................................................. 48

7.1. Coordination ............................................................................................................................... 48

7.2. Monitoring and Evaluation ......................................................................................................... 48

ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS

ASTGS Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy

ASAL Arid and Semi-Arid Lands

ASDS Agriculture Sector Development Strategy

ASM Agricultural Soil Management

AU Africa Union

CIAT International Centre for Tropical Agriculture

COMESA Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa

EAC East Africa Community

EIA Environmental Impact Assessment

GDP Gross Domestic Product

KALRO Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization

KEBS Kenya Bureau of Standards

KEPHIS Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services

KSTCIE Kenya Standing Technical Committee on Imports and Exports

NALEP National Agricultural and Livestock Extension Programme

NASEP National Agricultural Sector Extension Policy

NASM National Agricultural Soil Management

NASMP Nation al Agricultural Soil Management Policy

NCPB National Cereal and Produce Board

NEMA National Environmental Management Organisation

NIP National Irrigation Policy

NSWCP National Soil and Water Conservation Programme

SDG Sustainable Development Goal

SIDA Swedish International Development Agency

SRA Strategy for Revitalizing Agriculture

UNGC United Nations Governing Council

Definitions and Terminologies

Adaptation: Adjustments in ecological, social or economic systems in response to actual or

expected climatic stimuli and their effects or impacts.

Agro-forestry: Deliberate inclusion of trees and shrubs into the farming systems.

Bio fertilizer: Substances which contain living organisms which colonize the interior of the plant

and promote the growth by increasing the supply or availability of primary nutrients

Carbon sink: A reservoir such as soils and forests that can absorb carbon dioxide from the

atmosphere.

Coping: Short term responses that are utilized to face a sudden, unanticipated climatic risk.

Ecosystem: A dynamic complex of macro and microorganism communities interacting with their

physical environment as a functional unit.

Ecosystem service: The benefits human populations derive, directly or indirectly, from

ecosystem functions

Fertilizer: Any substance or material or mixture of substances added into the soil for the purpose

of adding plant nutrients necessary for enhancing plant growth and development.

Greenhouse gases: Gases of the atmosphere, both natural and manmade, that absorbs and emits

radiation at specific wavelengths within the spectrum of infrared radiation emitted by the Earth‟s

surface, the atmosphere and clouds.

Inorganic fertilizer: A synthesized substance or material added into the soil for the purpose of

adding plant nutrients necessary for enhancing plant growth and development.

Integrated Nutrient Management (INM): Combined use of inorganic and organic fertilizers

Integrated soil fertility management (ISFM): A set of soil fertility management practices that

necessarily include the use of fertilizer, organic inputs, and improved germplasm combined with the

knowledge on how to adapt these practices to local conditions.

Mitigation: An intervention to reduce the sources or enhance the sinks of greenhouse gases.

Organic Agriculture: A holistic production management system which promotes and enhances

agro eco system, health, including bio diversity, biological cycles and soil biological activity.

Organic fertilizer is any substance or material of plant or animal origin that is added to the soil-

plant system in its original form or naturally decomposed form to supply plant nutrients.

Plant nutrients: Essential life-giving plant elements.

Soil: The unconsolidated cover of the earth, made up of solid particles, water and air and capable

of supporting plant growth.

Soil conditioners: Any substances or material added to the soil for the purpose of improving the

medium for plant growth.

Soil fertility: The capacity of the soil to supply plants with nutrients, water and air.

xii

Soil health: Capacity of a soil to meet performance standards relating to nutrient, air and water

storage and supply.

Soil quality indicators: Measurable soil attributes that influence the inherent capacity of the soil

to perform its production and environmental related functions.

Soil restoration: Returning degraded soils back to their original productivity.

Soil rehabilitation: Process of returning degraded soil to a functional state

CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background

Agriculture plays a critical role in the four dimensions that embody food security, namely food

availability, food accessibility, food utilization and food system stability. Besides food security,

agriculture is important in Kenya‟s national economy as it contributes 27.3% annually of Gross

Domestic Product, 65% of total export earnings, employs over 80% of the country‟s rural work

force, provides 70% of raw materials for industry, and provides more than 18% of formal

employment (Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, 2015). Despite this critical role, the sector has

been experiencing several challenges such as increasing soil erosion and land degradation;

subdivision of land into small unsustainable units; inefficient use of fertilizers; inadequate and

inappropriate soil and water conservation measures; variations in climatic conditions; inadequate

legislation and poor enforcement of the sector‟s existing laws and regulations; high cost of inputs

and productive resources such as fertilizer and irrigation infrastructure; inadequate knowledge

and skills in soil management; and equally important lack of a comprehensive policy and

legislation that focuses on restoration and maintenance of agricultural soils.

To transform the agricultural sector and build resilience to climate change risks, Kenya needs to

focus on increasing productivity and commercialization. To achieve this the country also needs

to address the main constraints to increasing agricultural production, productivity and value

addition, which are: (a) low use of agricultural inputs; (b) frequent droughts and climate

variability; (c) natural resources degradation (particularly soil and water), as a result of nutrients

mining and soil erosion; (d) low levels of private investment in the primary production

(subsistence commercial-oriented agriculture) and in value addition; and (e) poor rural

infrastructure, such as small scale irrigation, roads, marketing and storage. The primary objective

of the SRA, 2004-2014 strategy was to provide a policy and institutional environment that is

conducive to increasing agricultural productivity, promoting investment and encouraging private

sector involvement in agricultural enterprises and agribusiness. The SRA identified “low and

declining soil fertility of land” as one of the factors that continues to constrain the growth of

agriculture in Kenya, an important factor that has also been mentioned in the 10-year

Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS) 2019 - 2029. In line with this

strategy, the National Agricultural Soil Management Policy (NASMP) will facilitate restoration

and maintenance of agricultural soils in order to increase productivity, improve food security and

contribute to poverty reduction while conserving the soil and water resources for future

generation. In particular, SRA 2004-2014 links well with several position papers, among them

Sessional Paper No. 2 of 1994 on National Food policy, the Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper

(PRSP), Kenya Rural Development Strategy (KRDS) 2002-2017; Economic Recovery Strategy

for Wealth and Employment Creation (ERSWEC) 2003-2007, the Agricultural Sector

Development Strategy for 2010-2020 and Kenya Vision 2030. These policy papers also identify

soil fertility and institutional related issues as major constraints to land productivity. The

National Agricultural Extension Policy 2012 (NASEP) together with its accompanying National

Agricultural and Livestock Extension programme (NALEP) was the vehicle for research and

dissemination of agricultural soil management information options outlined in this policy.

According to the Draft National Agriculture Policy 2019, an unfavorable policy and legal

environment in the area of soil fertility management, under which farmers and other stakeholders

operate, has exacerbated the problem of declining land productivity. The National Agricultural

Policy further states that there are hardly any formal institutional arrangements between players

in the sub-sector, leading to lack of co-ordination in problem identification for investment

programmes and delivery of services. Proper soil management practices for increased land

productivity are the prime focus of the NASM policy.

Soil is the most important resource in agricultural production. It constitutes the foundation of

agricultural development and ecological sustainability and the basis for food production. Further,

soil is the largest store of terrestrial carbon and its preservation may contribute to climate change

adaptation and mitigation. Kenya must therefore strive to bring the issue of sustainable soil

management to the forefront of public attention in order for the population to recognize and

appreciate the important connection that soil has with food, water, climate, biodiversity and life.

1.1.1 History of soil and water conservation measures in Kenya

Soil and water conservation (SWC) in Kenya was introduced in 1930s. Due to serious erosion

problems in both the settlers and the African farms, SWC was made compulsory by the African

Land Development Board (ALDEV) and the Swynerton Plan (1953-1957). This section contains

a summary of soil conservation approaches in Kenya.

Colonial Era (1930 – 1962): Colonial authorities addressed the problem of soil erosion by

implementing district level by-laws specific to the „African held land’ which focused on coffee

and cotton. Local administration and Agricultural Technicians rigorously enforced these

stipulations and stiff penalties were imposed on farmers who failed to comply. SWC measures

that were enforced included contour farming, tree planting, terrace strip cropping and de-

stocking.

The lost Decade “No Approach” (1963-1972): Period of laxity by the people towards coerced

soil conservation. This was because soil conservation had become both politically and socially

untenable. During this period, more terraces disappeared through destruction and neglect than

were being constructed coupled with few initiatives towards soil conservation

Revival of Soil Conservation (1972 – 1988): Land degradation was considered to be a serious

problem in Kenya during the United Nation Conference on Human Environment in Stockholm in

1972. National Soil and water Conservation Program (NSWCP) was launched in 1974 with

support from SIDA. This programme aimed at increasing and sustaining agricultural production

through simple, cheap and effective soil conservation measures. This was individual farm based

with a package of tools given out to farmers. Lessons learnt in this phase led to a change in

approach to a community based approach, namely the catchment approach.

Catchment Approach (1988 – 1998): This strategy addressed all conservation measures in clearly

delineated catchments. The benefit was viewed in terms of high visibility of conservation efforts,

continuous treatment of farms, safe conveyance of excess runoff in the high rainfall areas, water

harvesting in the arid and semi-arid lands and development of a cadre of highly specialized staff

Focal Area Extension Approach (2000 – 2010): In 2000 the National Agriculture and Livestock

Extension Programme (NALEP) was launched. NALEP had the basic elements of Catchment

Approach. The approach was more demand driven and holistic in all technical areas. It took over

from the catchment approach. However the focal area approach concentrated on all aspects of

farm management but was not focused entirely on soil management. After the closure of NALEP

a gap has existed in the area of coordination of soil and water conservation in the country.

1.1.2 Policy and legal framework

There are many sectors with mandate on natural resource management, soil being one of such a

resource. The following is a review of existing policies, legislations and strategies related to soil

management. It should however be noted that none of these addresses agricultural soil

management adequately.

1.1.2.1 Policies and strategies

The Constitution of Kenya, 2010

The Constitution of Kenya (CoK) 2010 is the overarching law that governs natural resources in

Kenya. Chapter 5 of the constitution deals with land use and land tenure and in it are various

articles that are relevant to soil fertility. Article 60 requires that both all land (Private, Public and

Community) be held, used and managed in a manner that is equitable, efficient, productive and

sustainable, and in accordance with a set of principles including security of land rights;

sustainable and productive management of land resources; sound conservation and protection of

ecologically sensitive areas; and the elimination of gender discrimination in law, customs and

practices related to land and property in land.

CoK 2010 provides for working to achieve and maintain a tree cover of at least ten per cent of

the land area of Kenya; encouraging public participation in the management, protection and

conservation of the environment; protecting genetic resources and biological diversity;

establishing systems of environmental impact assessment, environmental audit and monitoring of

the environment; elimination of processes and activities that are likely to endanger the

environment; and utilizing the environment and natural resources for the benefit of the people of

Kenya.

Public land is defined to include all minerals and mineral oils as defined by law. Article 69 (1)

(a) of the Constitution bestows on the State the responsibility to ensure sustainable exploitation,

utilization, management and conservation of the environment and natural resources, and ensure

the equitable sharing of the accruing benefits. The State is required to utilize the environment

and natural resources for the benefit of the people of Kenya.

The Constitution of Kenya establishes Community Land to provide a mechanism for direct

involvement of people in managing their resources. The conflicts that hamper soil management

include the recognition of customary law as one of the sources of law in Kenya (section 3 of the

judicature Act, cap 8) while its application has been secondary to statutory law. This has

sometimes created conflicts in application of law regarding customary land tenure.

Kenya Vision 2030

Kenya's long-term development strategy is articulated in Vision 2030. The document emphasizes

sustainable agricultural growth as a critical element in poverty reduction and addressing

inequalities. It recognizes the importance of soil fertility in enhancing agricultural productivity

for driving economic growth.

Sessional Paper 1 of 2017 on NLUP

The National Land Use Policy (NLUP) aims to guide Kenya towards a sustainable and equitable

use of land. The policy calls for immediate actions to addressing environmental problems that

affect land such as degradation, soil erosion and pollution. The policy stipulates the principle of

conservation and management of land based natural resources, the principle of protection and

management of fragile and critical ecosystems including wetlands and arid lands. The policy

does not address itself to many thematic areas of agricultural soil management such soil fertility,

biodiversity, salinization and agroforestry.

National Agriculture Policy 2019

The National Agriculture Policy 2019 provides a framework for sustainable development of the

agricultural sector based on the requirements of the Constitution, the Kenya Vision 2030,

Millennium Development Goals and other national, regional and international development goals

in agriculture. Some of the proposed policy statements in the NAP have a direct bearing on soil

management. For instance, the policy proposes the promotion of organic farming for sustainable

crops production and promote research in utilization of land resources for crops, livestock and

fisheries production. However, since it is an overarching policy in the agriculture sector, it does

not exhaustively address soil management matters in sufficient depth.

The National Irrigation Policy 2017

One of the strategies of the NIP is to ensure irrigation contributes to the attainment of national

targets from the current irrigated area of 161,840 ha to 1,341,900 ha by 2030. The irrigation sub-

sector is currently facing many challenges. In particular, the use of poor-quality waters and

inappropriate application of farm inputs leading to accumulation of salts in soils with negative

effects on land productivity and loss of soils for irrigation farming. The NIP recognizes that soil

resources can be a major limitation to the expansion of irrigated agriculture in Kenya. Previous

irrigation schemes in the country have been abandoned due to build up in soil salinity and

sodicity. Thus soil conditions must first be assessed for irrigation suitability before any irrigation

project is undertaken. However, the policy does recommend incorporating holistic agricultural

water management (AWM), which includes, among others, soil fertility management and

appropriate agronomic practices.

National Environmental Policy 2013

The National Environmental Policy sets out important provisions relating to the management of

ecosystems, ecosystem services and sustainable use of natural resources. The National

Environmental Policy 2013 advocates for the following on soils: development and

implementation of a National Soil Conservation Policy, promotion and support of eco and

organic farming so as to maintain soil fertility, promotion of good soil management practices and

empowering of the communities in soil conservation.

The key policy statements emanating from the National Environmental Policy and those that

have a direct bearing on sustainable soil management, include the Government of Kenya's pledge

to: a) formulate an innovative strategy to increase forest and tree cover from the current 7.14% to

at least 10% as required under the Constitution b) develop and implement a National Strategy for

Rehabilitation and Restoration of degraded forest ecosystems. c) protect and conserve forests

located in key water catchment areas d) and principles and criteria of sustainable forest

management. Community participation and local management and benefit sharing are espoused

in all the sectors discussed in the policy. It is noted that this policy has strategies that have direct

bearing on soil management, particularly soil‟s restoration and conservation.

Draft National Land Reclamation Policy 2013

The Policy focuses on protection, management and restoration of degraded lands and threats to

land resources. It integrates reclamation, rehabilitation, restoration, and remedial practices. This

is a very important policy with regard to agricultural soil management. It has not addressed

issues of soil salinity, soil biodiversity and fertilizers.

National Food and Nutrition Security Policy 2011

The 2011 Food and Nutrition Security Policy (FNSP) provides an overarching framework

covering the multiple dimensions of food security and nutrition improvement. It has been

purposefully developed to add value and create synergy to existing sectoral and other initiatives

of government and partners. It recognizes the need for multi-public and private sector

involvement, and that hunger eradication and nutrition improvement is a shared responsibility of

all Kenyans.

In this document, the government policy objective is to increase the quantity and quality of food

available and accessible in order to ensure that all Kenyans have an adequate, diverse and

healthy diet. This will be achieved by working towards sustainable production increases for food

that is diversified, affordable and helps meet basic nutrition requirements

National Agricultural Sector Extension Policy (NASEP) 2012

The National Agricultural Sector Extension Policy (NASEP) sets policy for agricultural

extension, and promotion and diffusion of technologies for land management. Observed

strengths of NASEP in promoting sustainable land management include: recognition that land is

an important resource in agricultural development, thus soil and water conservation is given

priority; support for environmental conservation in all agricultural projects and programmes;

recognition of the need for strengthening research-extension linkages for technology adoption

and diffusion; and recognizes the role of organized groups such as Cooperatives and farmer

groups in the provision of extension services. These can be used in the promotion of sound land

management practices. However, NASEP does not address the issue of research for technology

development and other support services for agricultural soil management

National Policy on Gender and Development 2008

The Policy provides a framework for mainstreaming gender issues in policy, legislation and

programmes, coordinating, reviewing and implementation of gender based programmes and

building capacity of women, men and youth according to their respective interests. The gender

policy is particularly relevant to sustainable land management investment since women are the

majority workers in agriculture related activities and yet women are also the most discriminated

in terms of land tenure. Again the role of the youth in farming has been ignored in this policy.

Urban and Peri-Urban Agriculture and Livestock (UPAL) Policy, 2010

Relevance to SSM is promotion of conservation of the environment by management of waste and

other pollutants from the UPAL sub-sector. The challenges that face the UPAL sub sector

include; land use, crop and livestock production, technology development, safety of UPAL

practices and products, environmental pollution and provision of support services. The major

weakness of this policy is that the organic soil amendment products are not guided by any

guidelines including soil contaminants.

ASAL Development Policy 2014

ASALs comprise about 88% of Kenya‟s total land and the areas suffer from droughts and floods,

high degradation rates. ASAL areas are also biodiversity hotspots and experience wildlife-human

conflicts. The draft policy promotes integrated development to include increased area under

small-scale irrigation, improved extension services and produce marketing to generate income

and access to credit by farmer associations.

National Forest Management Policy, 2014

This National Forest Management Policy 2014 provides a framework for improved forest

governance, resource allocation, partnerships and collaboration with the state and non state

actors to enable the sector contribute in meeting the country‟s growth and poverty alleviation

goals within a sustainable environment. The contribution of the sector to soil and water

conservation and in creating conducive conditions for soil fertility restoration has been

recognized in the policy. Also recognized in the draft is the rehabilitation, restoration and

protection of degraded forest ecosystems, water towers, catchment areas and other ecologically

fragile areas.

Integrated National Land Use Guidelines, 2011

The Integrated National Land Use Guidelines (INLUG) 2011 outlines land issues which should

be taken into account throughout the country in all land use planning. These include

requirements on the quality of the living environment, economical and ecological development

of community structures, the preservation of natural values and the built heritage, utilization of

natural resources and communication networks. The main challenge of these guidelines is that

they are not enforceable.

National Climate Change Response Strategy (NCCRS), 2010

This Strategy draws perspective from the United Nations Forum for Combating Climate Change

(UNFCCC) and strives to create a mechanism for combating climate change which is one of the

significant drivers of land degradation in Kenya. It recognizes that carbon emissions from

deforestation and forest degradation account for about 20% of global anthropogenic emissions. It

observes that since the eleventh session of the Conference of Parties (COP-11) to the UNFCCC

in December 2005, strategies and incentives for Reduced Emissions from Deforestation and

Degradation (REDD) in developing countries have emerged as one of the most active areas

discussed during climate change negotiations

Kenya Climate Smart Agriculture Strategy 2017 – 2026

The broad objective of the Kenya CSA Strategy is to adapt to climate change, build resilience of

agricultural systems while minimizing emissions for enhanced food and nutritional security and

improved livelihoods

Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS) 2019 - 2029

To transform Kenya‟s agricultural sector and make it regional powerhouse, the Government has

formulated the Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS). The strategy

is anchored in the belief that food security requires a vibrant, commercial, modern and equitable

agricultural sector that sustainably supports economic development. Building on lessons learned

from prior strategies, ASTGS takes an evidence based approach, and a sharp focus on

implementation and delivery with the counties at the centre. This approach is the foundation for

addressing the challenges that constrain agricultural output, productivity, natural resource

management, and the effects of climate and environmental change

National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP, 2010)

Links encroachment of agriculture and resulting loss of vegetation; links between soil erosion

from hill slope and dry land cultivation and monoculture. Emphasis is on sustainable utilization

of resources ecosystem for the benefit of present generations, while ensuring their potential to

meet future demands.

1.1.2.2 Relevant Legislations on Soil Management

Environment Management and Coordination Act (EMCA), 1999 (amended 2015)

The Environmental Coordination and Management Act of 1999 (EMCA, 1999) is the

overarching environmental law in Kenya. The most powerful institution established by this law

is the National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA) whose mandate is to coordinate

all environmental activities in Kenya. This law should be enforced since it is the overall law on

environment

Climate Change Act, 2016

The Act provides for a regulatory framework for enhanced response to climate change; to

provide for mechanism and measures to achieve low carbon climate development, and for

connected purposes.

Forest Conservation and Management Act, 2016

The Act contextualizes establishment and development of sustainable management of forestry

resources. The Act embraces participatory forest management approaches, been practiced

officially in the country since 2005, forest concession allocations, easements and benefit sharing

among the different forest stakeholders including the local communities. The Act provides for

farm forestry which will take pressures off existing forests and act as income generation. This

ensures that ecosystem services associated with forested ecosystems continue to be provided.

Land Act 2012

The Land Act provides guidelines for the management of public land, conservation of

ecologically sensitive public land, and conservation of land based natural resources. It mandates

the National Land Commission to recommend policies on land, acquire land for public purposes,

monitor and exercise oversight on land use in the public interest and allocate land for investment

including conservation of ecologically sensitive land. The key principles include sustainable and

productive management of land resources; participation, accountability and democratic decision

making within communities, the public and the Government; and democracy, inclusiveness and

participation of the people.

Land Registration Act, No. 300 of 2012

The Land Registration Act, No.300 of 2012 is to revise, consolidate and rationalize the

registration of titles to land, to give effect to the principles and objects of devolved government

in land registration, and for connected purposes. Provides for the registration of public land

under Article 62 of the Constitution and includes the coast foreshore, rivers, dam, lake reserves

and other reserves which are some of the areas of interest to ASM program.

National Land Commission Act No. 5 of 2012

The Act provides for functions of the National Land Commission. Provides for linkage with the

commission, county governments and other institutions dealing with land and land related

resources, dispute resolution and research on land related matters.

The Agriculture Food and Authority (AFA) Act No. 13 of 2013

The Act establishes the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) whose mandate is to among

others prescribe national guidelines for any or all of the following matters: prohibiting,

regulating or controlling the undertaking of any agricultural activity including the firing, clearing

or destruction of vegetation when such prohibiting, regulating or controlling is deemed to be

necessary for the protection of land against degradation, the protection of water catchment areas

or otherwise, for the preservation of the soil and its fertility; requiring the uprooting or

destruction, without payment of any compensation therefor, of any vegetation which has been

planted in contravention of a land preservation order; requiring the supervision of unoccupied

land and prohibiting, restricting or controlling the use of land for any agricultural purpose

excluding livestock.

The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research (KALRO) Act, 2013

The KALR Act created a new institution, the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research

Organization (KALRO) by merging four state corporations, the former Kenya Agricultural

Research Institute (KARI), the former Tea Research Foundation of Kenya (TRF), the former

Coffee Research Foundation of Kenya (CRF) and the former Sugar Research Foundation of

Kenya (KESREF). It mandates KALRO to develop and promote SLM technologies and

methodologies for the agricultural sector.

Crops Act, 2013

Crops Act has provisions for development of regulations on measures of maintaining soil fertility

including soil testing and regulation of soil salinization, chemical degradation and toxic levels in

plants and promotion of fertilizer cost-reduction investment projects through provision of

incentives and facilities to relevant investors.

Fertilizers and Animal Foodstuffs (Amended Act 2015)

The Fertilizers and Animal Foodstuffs (Amendment) Act 2015 (Cap 345), establishes the

Fertilizer and Animal Foodstuffs Board of Kenya. With the inclusion of diverse stakeholders in

the membership, which will streamline inclusiveness in decision making. However, the

Amended Act is not explicit on fertilizer quality and standards regulations to guide laboratory

testing of fertilizers and soils; and it excludes regulation of organic fertilizers, bio-fertilizers and

soil conditioners. The Act has more provisions for animal foodstuffs than fertilizer and therefore

does not address adequately all matters of soil management,

There are many institutions involved in soil and water management each with their specific Act

that give them their mandates. Overlapping roles among various Acts leading to duplication and

conflicts have been observed. Further, weak coordination, implementation and enforcement of

existing environment and natural resources policies and legislation is evident. None of these acts

addresses agricultural soil management adequately. Cap 345 in particular, has inadequacies

revolving around quality standards, definition of fertilizers and environmental protection

amongst other issues. There is need to develop a comprehensive legal and regulatory framework

that addresses adequately all issues pertaining to agricultural soil management. This therefore

leads to the need to create an institutional framework for effective management and enforcement

of all issues pertaining to agricultural soil management

1.2 Importance of soils in the global arena

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) debuted in 2015, the same year as the International

Year of Soils. This gave soil scientists an extraordinary opportunity to raise awareness on the

fundamental role of soils in achieving multiple SDGs and make valuable contributions to

existing challenges. Agriculture, and consequently, soils are at the heart of the SDGs and are

fundamental towards achieving them. SDG 2 (Zero hunger) is the most straightforward link that

connects soils, food production, and healthy living. Nonetheless, soils fulfil a large number of

functions and ecosystem services that explicitly bind them with other goals such as SDG 1 (No

poverty), SDG 3 (Good health and well-being), SDG 6 (Clean water and sanitation), SDG 13

(Climate action), and SDG 15 (Life on land). It has been agreed upon that cross-sector integrated

work is imperative towards achieving the SDGs implying that soils also have an indirect

presence in achieving the remaining goals. The 68

UN General Assembly had declared 2015 as

the International Year of Soil (IYS 2015). The aim was to raise awareness on the importance of

soils for food security and essential ecosystem functions. The Business Principles for

Sustainable Soil Management (“Soil Principles”) have been developed by the United Nations

Governing Council (UNGC) Food and Agriculture Business Principles (FAB Principles) to

create awareness of the need to protect the soils through enlightened programs and policy and to

support and strengthen the existing policies and policy frameworks on soil conservation. These

Soil Principles offer a reference point when considering measures to intensify agriculture or

conserve ecosystems. One of the Principles is to encourage the active participation of

government and policy makers in the management of soils. In addition, the Sustainable

Developments Goals (SDGs) by the United Nations provides an opportunity to elaborate the Soil

Principles and place them within the greater framework of a post-2015 SDGs agenda. Kenya

therefore needs to take advantage of this global mobilization to advocate for the sustainable

management of agricultural soils as part of the post – 2015 development agenda.

Demand for cereals is projected to reach 3 billion tonnes by 2015 (FAO, 2014). In order

therefore to meet the related challenges of meeting this projected global demand for cereals and

food security, proper soil management practices must undergo fundamental transformations

noting that 33 percent of global soils are moderately to highly degraded due to erosion, nutrient

depletion, acidification, salinization, compaction and chemical pollution. Sustainable

management of the world‟s agricultural soils has therefore become imperative for reversing the

trend of soil degradation and ensuring current and future global food security. This NASM

policy is therefore aligned to the global soil management guidelines, goals and targets that

recognize the importance of proper management of agricultural soils as a measure towards

reduction of poverty and ensuring food security

1.3 The importance of soils in the regional arena

Modern or Green Revolution market-oriented agriculture, that relies on adequate use of external

inputs such as chemical fertilizers and appropriate soil and water management practices

(including irrigation) has resulted in dramatic agricultural yield increases in certain Third World

countries, especially in Asia. But Sub Saharan Africa, Kenya included has been bypassed by

these developments. In sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America, more than 70 percent suffers

from soil and terrain constraints. More efficient use of soil water and improvements in soil health

can lead to average crop yield increases of 79 percent in these regions.

Regional policies, protocols and treaties including the EAC, COMESA and AU affect

performance of agriculture in the country. According to Abuja declaration, African countries

were set to increase fertilizer use from 8 to 50 kg per ha by 2015. This is still far below the

developed countries where, according to World Bank figures, Africa uses less than 14 kg of

fertilizer per hectare compared with 150 and 200 kg per ha in East Asia and Europe respectively.

The NASM policy provides for the restoration of soil fertility and efficient use and management

of agricultural soils if Kenya is to be a key player in food production in the east and central

African region.

1.4 The importance of and challenges facing agricultural soil management in

Kenya

Research has shown that farmers in Kenya are getting barely 25% of the potential yields. The

difference arises from among other factors, inadequate supply, maintenance and management of

plant nutrients, as well as poor tillage practices and soil moisture management.

Soils in Kenya are rapidly losing the ability to supply both the micro and macro nutrient

elements in the amounts, forms and proportions required for optimum plant growth. This is

attributed to very little use of organic and inorganic fertilizers (average basal fertilizer use in the

country is less than 10 kg/ha compared to the recommended level of 75 kg/ha); poor

conservation and management of rainwater; very little supplemental irrigation; excessive soil

erosion by water and wind without carrying out adequate soil and water conservation measures;

land fragmentation; land-tenure problems (land users may not be willing to invest in long-term

land improvements such as terracing if they are not sure of reaping the benefits from such work)

and inadequate extension services and infrastructure. In addition, tree growing is not focused on

the improvement of soil fertility.

Kenya Vision 2030 economic pillar recognizes agriculture as a critical sector in contributing to

attainment of the Vision goals that aim at achieving on average, GDP growth rate of 10 % per

year up to the year 2030. In order to achieve this target, the agricultural sector is expected to

continually grow at minimum of 7% annually. This growth will be achieved through

implementation of the agricultural sector flagship projects (such as Consolidated Agricultural

Reform Bill; fertilizer cost-reduction investment; Land use master plan and ASAL development

projects) whose success is hinged on a sector-wide policy direction. Article 60 (1) (c) of the

Constitution also emphasises sustainable and productive management of land resources. The

NASMP is in compliance with the constitution, of Kenya, Vision 2030 and the Big Four Agenda.

The Draft National Agriculture Policy 2019 has some provisions for the efficient use and

management of land. Soils are important component of land resource affecting agricultural

productivity. Due to the importance of agriculture to economic development and realisation of

the Constitutional requirements, it becomes necessary to have NASMP that will guide the

development of the agricultural sector. The current rate of soil degradation in Kenya is not

conducive for the projected 7% annual growth of the agricultural sector. Soil degradation in the

country is caused by unsustainable land use and soil management practices, and climate

extremes. The NASMP proposes interventions that must be put in place for the restoration,

proper use and sustainable management of agricultural soils.

An unfavourable policy and legal environment in the area of soil management, under which

farmers and other stakeholders operate, has exacerbated the problem of declining land

productivity. There are hardly any formal institutional arrangements between different

institutions on matters relating to soil as a resource leading to lack of co-ordination in problem

identification for investment programmes and delivery of services. The policy and legal

provisions relating directly or indirectly to soil management are thus scattered in a number of

policies and statutes. This is due to the fact that there are many players dealing with land

resource issues. In particular, the main players in soil fertility management arena in the country

include agricultural sector ministries, departments and agencies; as well as private sector,

teaching institutions and farmer organizations.

1.5 The agricultural soil management under Devolution

In the advent of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, agricultural soil management issues relating to

practices become largely County functions. Following repeal of Agricultural Act CAP 318, the

only instrument that applied to agricultural soil management is the Crops Act of 2013. The Act

provided for development for guidelines. Agricultural soil management in the devolved system

is being handled through the agricultural extension system.

1.6 Scope of the Policy

This policy will guide the agricultural sector in achieving its objectives as envisaged in the

Constitution, Vision 2030 and the ASTGS. In addressing the restoration, use and sustainable

management of agricultural soils, the policy gives direction on how agricultural soils will be

managed for increased crop productivity and production while at the same time conserving the

environment. To address the causes of declining soil fertility, it is prudent that this policy, legal

and institutional frameworks on agricultural soil management be consistent with the prevailing

biophysical, socio-economic and technological conditions in the agricultural sector. The NASM

policy thus encompasses sustainable agricultural soil and environmental management with

regard to soil and water conservation, soil fertility management, agro-forestry, soil restoration

and rehabilitation, technology development, dissemination and utilization of soil management

technologies and investments. Legal and institutional frameworks are key in the policy to ensure

regulated and coordinated investment in agricultural soil management improvement

programmes. Institutional, organisational and legal reforms are envisaged to reflect the changes

of mandate and functions owing to devolution of services. The policy takes cognizance of

various incentives such as subsidies necessary for the agriculture sector‟s development. The

Policy has been formulated in line with relevant provisions of the Constitution and it identifies

current challenges in the management of agricultural soils and outlines guidelines to address

them. It provides measures towards sustainable use of natural resources, particularly soils which

are expected to boost agricultural production while at the same time conserving the environment.

The Policy emphasizes the need for the National and County governments to develop appropriate

strategies that will lead to sustainable use of agricultural soils at their respective levels. In this

regard, the NASM Policy emphasizes the need for National and County governments to commit

adequate resources to enable proper management, utilization, restoration and conservation of

agricultural soils.

1.7 Rationale of the Policy

The current rate of soil fertility decline and soil degradation in Kenya is not conducive for the

projected 7% annual growth of the agricultural sector. Despite this scenario there has never been

a Policy to guide on proper use, management, restoration and conservation of agricultural soils.

The various agricultural sub-sector strategies and policies that have been developed have failed

to directly address soil as an important resource for sustained agricultural production. As such

policy gaps in the management of agricultural soils have been identified in this policy that

requires a comprehensive sector-wide approach that is multi-sectoral and multi-stakeholder.

This policy provides a framework for sustainable management of agricultural soils based on the

requirements of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010 and the Kenya Vision 2030. It also provides for

the domestication of regional and global policies, protocols and treaties including the EAC,

COMESA, African Union, Sustainable Development Goals and UNCCD, to which Kenya is a

signatory.

The NASMP outlines effective provisions for efficient use of soil as a resource for sustainable

agricultural growth and provides for inter-linkages of agricultural support systems such as land

use, irrigation, extension, infrastructure and research. The policy also addresses specific

institutional and legal reforms essential for the integration of soils management in devolved

system of governance.

1.8 Objectives

1.8.1 Broad Objective

The broad objective of this policy is “to contribute to economically and environmentally viable,

and socially acceptable development opportunities for agricultural production in Kenya in order

to reduce poverty and improve food security through improved soil management.”

1.8.2 Specific Objectives

The Specific objectives are to:

1. Promote efficient and sustainable use of soil as a resource for increased agricultural

productivity.

2. Provide the framework for developing and applying appropriate agricultural soil

management technologies towards restoration and maintenance of soil fertility;

3. Mainstream agricultural soil management improvement in both National and County

governments‟ planning agenda;

4. Provide a framework for research and dissemination and utilization of appropriate

technologies on agricultural soil management;

5. Establish institutional and legal framework for reviewing and for proper coordination of

agricultural soil management activities;

6. Create an enabling policy environment for public and private investments in agricultural

soil management improvement programmes and projects.

CHAPTER 2: SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURAL SOIL AND

WATER MANAGEMENT

2.1. Soil and water conservation

Historical evidence shows that many parts of the country were experiencing high rates of erosion

in the 1930‟s leading to a decline in agricultural productivity. This was attributed to intensive

cultivation of steep slopes without effective soil conservation measures, deforestation, cultivation

of river banks, improper farming practices, and to overgrazing. The problem is even much more

aggravated currently in communally owned land where farmers are not keen to invest in soil

conservation measures. The same applies where farmers do not have title deeds for their farms

and thus reluctant to investment in long term soil conservation measures such as terracing.

Consequences of soil erosion are many such as reduced crop yield, reduction in livestock

carrying capacity, depreciation in value of land, siltation of streams and dams leading to poor

water quality and flooding of streams.

The existing statutes are not adequately enforced to address issues of soil conservation on

cultivated slopes, along river banks, around water bodies (riparian areas) and catchment areas.

With regard to the conservation of riparian and catchment areas, the ASDS 2010 – 2020 has

recognized poor land use practices and river bank cultivation as some of the key factors that have

resulted in increased runoff, soil erosion and siltation of dams and other water reservoirs. The

Strategy has thus recommended for the protection and conservation of the environment as well as

for the formulation and implementation of programmes and projects that promote protection and

conservation of catchment area and river banks.

Challenges

1. Large parcels of land that are owned communally where no individual user takes

responsibility for soil and water conservation.

2. In areas where land users lack title deeds for the land they cultivate, they are not

adequately motivated to invest heavily in soil and water conservation.

3. Under freehold ownership land there is over sub-division and over exploitation of land

leading to soil degradation.

4. Inappropriate land tillage practices that has led to deterioration of soil physical properties

and increased soil erosion.

5. Encroachment of the riparian land that results in increased erosion and pollution of rivers

6. Inadequate and inappropriate soil and water conservation measures.

7. Inadequate capacity development in soil and water conservation.

8. Limited dissemination and uptake of soil and water conservation technologies due to poor

linkage between research and extension and lack of farm planning.

9. Inadequate coordination between various players disseminating soil and water

conservation interventions.

10. High cost of labour for soil and water conservation

11. Lack of information on costs and benefits of soil conservation technologies

Policy statements

The National government will:

1. Prioritize land adjudication in the communally owned land thus encourage individual

land users to take responsibility for soil and water conservation.

2. Hasten the issuance of title deeds to privately owned land so that such land owners can

feel motivated to invest heavily in soil and water conservation measures.

3. Provide for land use strategies to assist farming communities achieve optimum soil

productivity and make land use planning an integral part of land adjudication processes.

4. Establish and support a National Agricultural Soil Management Coordination Unit that

focuses on soil and water management activities in order to have effective coordination

between various players disseminating soil and water conservation technologies.

5. Develop regulatory framework to protect area prone to degradation.

6. Enhance partnership in the area of research, dissemination and utilization of appropriate

soil and water conservation technologies.

The County governments will:

1. Sensitize and capacity build the communities in the communally owned land on

appropriate land use practices.

2. Develop guidelines for use of communally owned land

3. Promote the establishment and maintenance of centres of excellence to demonstrate

appropriate soil and water conservation technologies.

4. Promote soil and water conservation interventions including adoption of conservation

agriculture principles to increase crop production.

5. Support community soil and water management associations for community owned land

6. Promote farm planning

7. Implement regulations and guidelines to protect area prone to degradation

8. Enforce appropriate land use regulations.

9. Establish incentives to facilitate access and affordability of appropriate technologies and

equipment for soil and water conservation

10. Prioritize and mainstream soil and water conservation agenda in programmes and

projects

2.2. Soil Health

2.2.1. Soil fertility decline

Agricultural productivity in Kenya is characterized by low crop yield due to increased soil

degradation and declining soil fertility as a result of inefficient management of the natural

resources (Draft National Agricultural Policy 2015) Continuous mono-cropping practices that

characterize farming systems result in high negative nutrient balances, declining yields and

increased poverty.

Increase in poverty and soil degradation has accentuated the demands on the fragile natural

resource base such as the wetlands, steep slopes of the hills and the riparian section for crop and

livestock production, further increasing environmental degradation. Reversing the soil fertility

declining trend and improving the livelihoods, food security, and income of the farmers will

require increased adoption of soil fertility enhancing strategies together with the introduction of

viable incentives to encourage farmers to address the issue of soil fertility decline.

High fertilizer prices, high rates of rural poverty, underdeveloped farm input and commodity

markets and an ageing farming community continue to exacerbate the declining trend in soil

fertility. According to results of a national soil fertility survey of 2014, over 50% of all sampled

soils in the country had below critical levels of soil pH, soil organic carbon, nitrogen,

phosphorus, potassium, zinc and copper (MoALF, 2014). Thus the originally fertile lands that

yielded 4 to 6 t per ha of maize have been degraded with cereal crop yields of less than 1 t per ha

becoming common (MoALF, 2014). Soil management strategies that restore and increase the soil

nutrient status, improve the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil, are needed to

reverse the disastrous trend and cushion the future viability of the Kenyan food systems.

2.2.2. Soil fertility replenishment

The current use of an average of 10 kg per ha of fertilizer by Kenyan farmers leads to high

nutrient mining and hence the need for soil nutrient replenishment. This replenishment can be

done through the addition of inorganic and organic fertilizer. However a more sustainable

approach is through integrated soil fertility management (ISFM).

2.2.2.1. Inorganic fertilizers

Kenya Vision 2030 aims at transforming the agricultural sector to be an innovative,

commercially oriented and modern sector by increasing productivity through provision of widely

accessible inputs particularly fertilizer and certified seeds. The vision identifies the cost of

fertilizer as one of the constraints of high crop productivity. This problem was also highlighted

during the recently held KeFERT Round Table Conference held at KICC in October 2018.

Cumbersome acquisition processes, late delivery and adulteration were also mentioned as some

of the other Constraints facing fertilizer subsidy programme. Due to its cost, fertilizer use has

remained low estimated at 31 kg per ha compared to the recommended 125 kg per ha. In addition

to the cost, other factors contributing to low fertilizer usage include negative perceptions by

farmers, low value-cost ratios (VCRs) of fertilizers, high poverty levels and inadequate

knowledge. Due to the crucial role of fertilizers in enhancing land productivity, the government

has addressed it in various documents. The vision 2030 proposes a three tier reduction strategy to

be implemented through bulk procurement, local blending and manufacturing. The three tier cost

reduction strategies is one of the flagship projects of the vision 2030.

Despite the beneficial effects of inorganic fertilizers, continued use of acidifying fertilizers such

as Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) has led to increased soil acidity of most soils in Kenya

especially in the maize growing areas. Yet this type of fertilizer is among the top 3 fertilizers

imported in Kenya. (Fertilizer Statistics Overview KENYA 2012 -2015) To enhance efficient

use of fertilizers by farmers, there is need for farmers to be trained on the right fertilizer types

and application rates depending on the crop and the soil types. Emphasis should be laid on soil

analysis to inform on the soil fertility status for corrective nutrient replenishment measures.

Challenges

1. Limited access to and availability of right type of fertilizers.

2. Adulteration of fertilizer

3. Unfavorable terms of trade between fertilizers and outputs.

4. Inadequate knowledge by extension service providers and input suppliers on the

importance of soil testing.

5. Inadequate/unaffordable soil testing services leading to inappropriate use of fertilizers.

6. Inadequate awareness, knowledge and skills in fertilizer application

7. Weak enforcements of environmental regulations for sustainable soil management

Policy statements

The National government will:

1. Implement the three-tier cost reduction programme.

2. facilitate access to fertilizers through making it affordable and timely available

3. Support a sustainable national agricultural farm input credit scheme.

4. Implement programmes for capacity building targeting farmers and other fertilizer value

chain players.

5. Support and build capacity on soil testing services, both human and infrastructure

6. Provide for mandatory analysis of fertilizer nutrient content to curb adulteration and

ensure product labeling to indicate nutrient element content

7. Promote manufacturing of blended fertilizers

The county government will:

1. Establish soils testing laboratories that will provide site specific information on fertilizer

recommendations

2. Facilitate establishment of private soils testing laboratories that will provide site specific

information on fertilizer recommendations

3. Promote supplier development programmes to improve market access for the right type

of fertilizers

4. Ensure compliance with product safety and quality standards

2.2.2.2 . Organic fertilizers

Most of the small-scale farmers use organic fertilizers such as farmyard manure and compost and

recycle crop residues as a means of sustaining and improving the fertility level of soils. Organic

fertilizers provide organic matter which not only provides nutrients to the soil but also improves

the physical, chemical and biological status of the soil. However, the limited amounts of organic

sources of plant nutrients and their very low fertilizer grades work against reliance on them as

major sources of nutrient supply. Moreover, the beneficial policies and Acts that reinforce the

efficient use of organic resources such as the prohibition of the burning of crop residues have

been weakly implemented due to lack or weak institutional arrangements for reinforcement.

Challenges

1. Lack of appropriate packaging and labeling of organic fertilizers.

2. Lack of standards for organic fertilizers.

3. Danger of use of contaminated raw materials.

4. Inadequate material for composting.

5. Lack of a regulatory organization and / or legislation to deal with organic fertilizers.

6. Inadequate information on organic fertilizers.

Policy statement

The National government will:

1. Develop a regulatory framework for organic fertilizers

2. Ensure standardization of organic fertilizers

3. Develop standards and guidelines for organic fertilizers.

The County governments will:

1. Sensitize farmers and service providers on organic fertilizers preparation and use.

2. Promote testing for quality of organic fertilizers

2.2.2.3. Bio – Fertilizers

There has been an increased trend in the use of inoculant fertilizers in the country. This is

attributed to the existing public / private partnership in the commercialization of BIOFIX.

BIOFIX is a cheap alternative to nitrogenous fertilizer. It has shown promising results when used

as a source of nitrogen for a wide range of legumes. Some of the benefits of using inoculant

fertilizers are: saving on the use of chemical nitrogenous fertilizers by enhancing N fixation, low

cost (one packet of inoculant at Kshs 100.00, which is less than 1 USD, can be used to plant a

debe or about 20 kg of bean seeds), easy to apply, gives increased yields of both grain and fodder

legumes and does not pollute the environment. This technological option of substituting the

biological fixation of atmospheric nitrogen for inorganic nitrogen fertilizer has great potential but

is yet to reach most of the farmers in the country mainly because of its inaccessibility and

inadequate awareness.

Whereas the country has legislation on inorganic fertilizers, bio-fertilizers are not mentioned. Bio

fertilizers are also not mentioned in current national fertilizer use recommendations. Only the

Kenya National Environmental Action Plan (NEAP) does mention bio-fertilizers as an

environmentally friendly alternative to chemical fertilizers. It, however, fails to recognize the

policy gaps in Kenya's agricultural research and development planning. The use of bio-fertilizers

has gained popularity as shown by the import requests received by Kenya Plant Health

Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS), working under the Kenya Standing Technical Committee on

Imports and Exports (KSTCIE).

KEPHIS, as a secretariat to KSTCIE, facilitates the process of risk assessment before

introduction of live organisms. These include live biological controls, bio- fertilizers, bio-

stimulants, organic fertilizers, their products and other regulated articles. Once risk assessment is

complete, products approved for introduction are referred to relevant research institutions for

efficacy or registration.

KSTCIE constitutes public, private agencies of which the public agencies include; Pest Control

Products Board, Kenya Agriculture and Livestock Research Organisation, Kenya Wildlife

Service (KWS), National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA), National Museums of

Kenya (NMK), Directorate of Veterinary Service, State Department of Agriculture, universities

among others. This role is efficiently executed by KEPHIS mainly because of their mandate

under the Plant Protection Act, CAP 324, but not without challenges.

Regulations of fertilizers in Kenya involves multiple agencies. Fertilizers and Animal Foodstuffs

(Amendment) Act, 2015 was passed to regulate the importation, manufacture and sale of

agricultural fertilizers and animal foodstuffs and substances of animal origin intended for the

manufacture of such fertilizers and foodstuffs, and to provide for matters incidental to and

connected with the foregoing.

In the Act, the term “fertilizer” does not include manure, compost, wood ash, gypsum or refuse

when sold in its original condition and under the same name, nor does it include organic

fertilizers, other than lime. This law has had its deficiencies in ensuring effective regulation of

the fertilizer claimed products including bio - fertilizers.

Challenges

1. Uncoordinated regulation of bio-fertilizers.

2. Limited awareness by extension staff and farmers on the existence and use of bio

fertilizers

3. Inadequate capacity by KEPHIS for testing the products` identity, quality, safety and

efficacy.

4. Lack of a legal framework to govern bio fertilizers

5. Inadequate culture preservation centres to serve as reference banks for the biological

material both locally collected and imported.

6. Inadequate technical capacity to address farmers soil health issues

Policy Statements

The National government will:

1. Develop regulatory legal framework for bio-fertilizers.

2. Support capacity building on use of bio-fertilizers in soil management.

3. Strengthen institutions like KEPHIS for testing the products` identity, quality, safety and

efficacy

4. Strengthen relevant bodies to establish culture preservation centres to serve as reference

banks for the biological material both locally collected and imported.

5. Build technical capacity to address soil health issues

The County government will:

1. Implement regulatory requirements for bio-fertilizers.

2. Support capacity building on use of bio-fertilizers in soil management.

2.2.2.4. Organic Agriculture

People are increasingly becoming health conscious. In response to this, organic farming has

gained currency globally. The issues around organic farming include research and development,

standards and guidelines, commercialization, quality assurance (regulation and control).

Organic farmers aim to produce healthy food from a balanced, living soil. Organic agriculture is

sustainable, keeping soils productive and alive, and helps to minimize contamination of the

earth's water supplies. It excludes the use of chemical fertilizers and pesticides, plant growth

regulators, and livestock feed additives. Genetically modified organisms (GMOs) are not

allowed in organic farming. As far as possible, organic farmers depend on crop rotation, green

manure, compost, mulching, biological pest control, and mechanical cultivation to maintain

productive soil and control pests.

In Kenya, organic sub sector is relatively small but growing fast especially in fruit, vegetable and

honey production. There are a few companies listed as producing organic products for local and

international markets. The main products for export markets consist of vegetables, salad pre-

packs, herbs, spices, essential oils, nuts, coffee, tea and cold pressed oils. Organic agriculture

remains largely underdeveloped and its contribution to the GDP is not documented, it has a

potential to contribute to the growth of the agriculture sector through mitigating the effects of

climate change.

Challenges

1. Inadequate technical knowledge among farmers and extension service providers.

2. High labour requirements.

3. Inadequate research and training on organic agriculture.

4. Complicated and expensive process of certification.

5. Limited supply of high quality organic agriculture inputs that are accessible and

affordable.

6. Unfavourable legal and regulatory framework for the growth and development of organic

agriculture.

Policy Statements

The National government will:

1. Promote making of organic farm inputs

2. Develop a legal and regulatory framework for the organic agriculture sub sector.

3. Develop standards and quality control procedures for organic agriculture.

4. Enhance research and technology development in organic agriculture.

The County governments will:

1. Strengthen research-extension-farmer linkage on organic agriculture.

2. Promote use of organic farm inputs

3. Build capacity of extension officers and famers in organic agriculture

2.2.2.5 Soil Biodiversity

Soil biodiversity is an essential component of soil health, and constitutes a major fraction of

terrestrial biodiversity, responsible for the key ecosystem functions of decomposition and

nutrient cycling. The reduction of below-ground biodiversity (BGBD) decreases agricultural

productivity and also decreases the resilience of agricultural ecosystems so that they are more

vulnerable to erosion, pests, diseases, and the general degradation of the land.

Soil biodiversity tends to decrease with the increasing intensification of farming practices (e.g.

use of pesticides, inorganic fertilizers, heavy machinery). While in general chemical treatments

and tillage aim at improving soil fertility, trade off with soil carbon storage and decontamination

services, mulching, composting and crop rotations all contribute to improve soil structure, water

transfer and carbon storage.

Concerns about the loss of soil biodiversity related with land use change have been raised in the

country. Even as agricultural activities intensify, this subject has received relatively little

attention. There is a need to keep agricultural soil ecosystems as healthy and sustainable as

possible so that the biodiversity loss, which is usually high in agricultural systems, is reduced

through increased conservation and management of the soil and its associated biota.

Challenges

1. Inadequate inventory on soil biota.

2. Poor burning practices like burning of crop residues and weeds before cultivation thus

destroying biodiversity especially macro and micro fauna

3. Lack of awareness on the importance of soil biodiversity on ecosystem services

Policy Statement

The National governments will;

1. develop and maintain a comprehensive inventory of soil biota in the country.

2. Promote and facilitate capacity building on soil biodiversity

The County Governments will;

1. Develop and maintain a comprehensive inventory of soil biota in the county.

2. Support capacity building on proper use of crop residues

3. Promote and facilitate capacity building and training geared towards providing practical

and relevant advice in the field of soil biodiversity

2.3 Agroforestry

Several factors have contributed to a rising interest in agroforestry since 1970s, which among

them includes: increased deforestation; soil degradation and scarcity of land because of

population pressures and growing interest in farming systems, intercropping and the

environment. Agroforestry systems also contribute to soil and water conservation and increasing

soil fertility. The extent of this, however, depends on the initial soil condition, use and

management.

The contribution of the Forestry sector to soil and water conservation has been highlighted in the

National Forest Management Policy, NFMP (MoEW&NR, 2015) and the Agriculture (Farm

Forest) Rules, 2009. The NFMP appreciates the benefits that farm forestry provides. Trees are an

essential part of diversified farm production, providing both subsistence products and incomes

while contributing to carbon sequestration, soil fertility improvement and soil and water

conservation. According to the National Forest Management Policy 2015, the current forest

cover of 6.99% of the land area of the country is still below the constitutional requirement of

10%. In particular the NFMP 2015 does mention the benefits that forests provide to soil and

water conservation such as enhancing the soil‟s ability to sustain diverse ecosystems by

conserving the productive capacity of the land through reduced soil and nutrient loss. Given the

role of land degradation in exacerbating the impacts of climatic extremes such as drought,

agroforestry technologies that improve soil conditions have the potential to help ease the stress

caused by climate change in the future.

Challenges

1. Weak institutional support mechanisms.

2. Inadequate quality planting materials.

3. Inadequate tree tenure rights benefit sharing and conflict resolution mechanisms in

agroforestry.

4. Inadequate Agro ecological zone (AEZ) specific research on agroforestry models.

5. Inadequate research, extension, research–linkages and ignorance of the advantages of

agroforestry.

6. Delayed returns on investment and weak market access for agroforestry produce.

7. The environmental and economic value of agroforestry products and services is

undervalued, and not given adequate attention.

8. Absence of an institutional mechanism for coordination and convergence of synergies

among actors.

Policy statements

The National government will:

1. Support agroforestry research,

2. Support capacity building in agroforestry

3. Encourage increased participation of the private sector in agroforestry.

4. Promote linkages between research and extension on matters of agroforestry .

5. Support agroforestry as a course curriculum in educational institutions and motivating

youths to grow and conserve trees.

The County government will:

1. Support agroforestry extension

2. Improve farmers‟ access to and promote the development of quality agroforestry planting

materials.

3. Support private sector participation in agroforestry development.

4. Establish incentives to farmers for adopting agroforestry.

5. Support adaptive research on matters of agroforestry.

2.4 Land reclamation

Agricultural land degradation manifests itself in many ways, which include: unsustainable loss of

soils through erosion; loss of vegetation; increasing scarcity of clean water sources and bare land

surfaces; gullies due to soil erosion; landslides; desertification and invasion of intrusive species.

These are largely attributed to inappropriate soil and crop management practices. Land

reclamation is therefore required to put back degraded soil into productive status.

In Kenya, an estimated US $390 million dollars or 3% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is

lost annually due to land degradation (Land Reclamation Policy, LRP, 2013). Some of the other

policies and strategies that have a direct bearing on land rehabilitation include; National Water

Policy, Agriculture Policy, National Disaster Policy, National Climate Change Strategy,

Wetlands Policy, policies covering Mining and Mineral Resources, Environmental and Wastes

Management and, Irrigation Policy.

The NLR Policy 2013 provides for reclamation and conservation of lands hitherto subjected to

natural and/or anthropogenic disturbances, and thereby preserving natural resources, to promote

the protection of water resources and soil. In particular, the policy mentions decline in crop

yields due to soil nutrient losses through erosion but does not explicitly state how soil fertility

loss can be addressed.

Challenges

1. Increasing agricultural land and environmental degradation leading to decline in

agricultural soil productivity.

2. Reduced soil bio-diversity and unsustainable agricultural production systems.

3. Inadequate investments by the National and County governments towards the

development of sustainable agro-ecological zone - based land reclamation interventions

for the agricultural sector.

4. Lack of coordination and integration of land reclamation initiatives for use in agriculture,

forestry, recreational industry and wildlife habitats, among many others uses.

Policy statements

The National government will:

1. support land reclamation initiatives for use in agriculture, forestry and agro-recreational

industry.

2. Develop appropriate agricultural soil reclamation guidelines and standards and provide

mechanism for continuous monitoring, evaluation and reporting on implementation and

compliance

3. Support identification and mapping all degraded soils and support their reclamation

program.

4. Formulate development projects and programs to enhance resource mobilization for

sustainable agricultural land use systems.

5. Coordinate linkage of watershed management to restoration of the health and fertility of

the soils to respond to climate change and the effects of frequent sporadic floods and

droughts.

The County governments will:

1. Identify and map all degraded soils and support their reclamation program.

2. Formulate development projects and programs to enhance resource mobilization for

agricultural land reclamation.

3. Promote appropriate soil management technologies that will lead to enhanced land

reclamation that will lead to agricultural productivity

4. Link watershed management to restoration of the health and fertility of the soils to

respond to climate change and the effects of frequent sporadic floods and droughts.

5. Promote education and public awareness through participatory approaches to inculcate

land rehabilitation initiatives and reduction of land degradation.

6. Implement programmes for reclamation and restoration of degraded soils for capacity

building targeting farmers and other fertilizer value chain players

2.5 Soil restoration and rehabilitation

Severe soil degradation and habitat loss in Kenya have been reported in literature since the

1930s. As degradation continues, it becomes increasingly difficult and costly to rehabilitate and

restore affected lands. Studies have shown that enclosures are effective in restoring the nutrient

status and quality of degraded soils. Rehabilitation of degraded arid environments tackles the

problems of land degradation, biodiversity loss, climate change and poverty simultaneously.

Successful local actions can have a national impact and should therefore, be encouraged and

supported. Combating land degradation is essential to ensure long term soil productivity,

especially in semi-arid environments. Methods such as tilling, gully control, water harvesting,

destocking, ripping and seeding are practiced to control land degradation but are not common

because of their high capital requirements.

Current policies, regulations and strategies do not adequately address the restoration and

rehabilitation of agricultural soils. Weak coordination, implementation and enforcement of

existing environment and natural resources policies and legislation are thus evident.

Challenges

1. Low adoption of soil restoration best practices and innovations.

2. Inadequate credit lines for purchase of equipment and inputs that promotes soil

restoration and productivity.

3. Inadequate incentives and benefit sharing mechanisms that promote the culture of soil

restoration and rehabilitation e.g. Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES).

4. Inadequate support mechanisms for agricultural soil management for public and private

service providers.

5. Inadequate adaptive research in soil restoration and rehabilitation that is agro-ecological

zone specific.

6. Inefficient law enforcement mechanisms on land degradation.

Policy statements

The National and County governments will:

1. Establish and maintain an inventory of degraded soils.

2. Promote and facilitate capacity building and training in the field of soil restoration and

rehabilitation.

3. Strengthen and enforce laws governing the management of agricultural soils

4. Facilitate Establishment of a multi-disciplinary service or agency to coordinate and

regulate public and private service providers engaged in the restoration and rehabilitation

of agricultural soils.

5. Establish landscape scale mechanisms that offer technical, incentives and other support

needed for farmers/private land owners to soil resources.

6. Provide sustainable funding mechanism for adaptive research in soil restoration and

rehabilitation that is agro-ecological zone specific.

7. Enhance long-term investment in land rehabilitation by integrating land rehabilitation

into national programmes and projects.

2.6 Soil remediation

Environmental pollution is on the increase due to industrialization in the country. This has led to

increased levels of contaminants such as heavy metals and pesticide residues in the agricultural

soils. The effect is further reduction in production due to toxicity of such contaminants for plants

and related human ailments. Soil pollution may also result from secondary contamination of

water supplies.

Soil remediation aims at reducing contaminants to levels which are „suitable for use in this

context for agricultural productivity. A review of the Environmental Management and Co-

ordination (Waste Management Regulations 2006) indicate that there are no soil quality

standards to guide on the cleaning of contaminated soils in Kenya. Soil quality standards for soil

contaminants in relation to agriculture are needed to set guidelines for remediation strategies. .

Challenges

1. Weak implementation / enforcement of existing policies and legislation (the Environment

Management Policy 2013, EMCA 1999 (Amended 2015).

2. There are no guidelines for soil quality standards in relation to agriculture.

3. Lack of harmonization of laws on soil pollution that would provide an added advantage

of adequately addressing the problem of soil pollution.

Policy statements

The National government will:

1. Map all contaminated soils in the country.

2. Ensure that the „polluter pays principle‟ is adhered to by industries and any other

polluting entity.

3. Facilitate Remediation all contaminated soils.

4. Ensure enforcement of hazardous waste regulations.

The County governments will:

1. Enhance implementation of all recommendations of audit reports in Environmental

Impact Assessment (EIAs) and SEAs.

2. Support community efforts on environmental safety.

CHAPTER 3: SOIL MANAGEMENT AND ENVIRONMENT

3.1 Effects of poor soil management on the environment

Poor agricultural soil management practices such as ploughing downslope and continuous use of

agrochemicals can have a serious adverse effect on the environment. Soils mismanagement and

degradation practices include compaction and poor drainage, depletion of essential plant

nutrients, rapid loss of organic matter, accumulation of salts and acidification. Soil degradation

accelerates soil erosion and destruction of landscapes. Streams and lakes become clogged with

sediment and nutrients lost from agricultural fields, damaging fish and aquatic life.

Contamination of ecosystems from excessive use of pesticides and fertilizers are on the increase

in the country. Environmental quality is often compromised whenever soils are not well managed

affecting the well-being of the environment.

Challenges

1. Weak enforcement of the environmental regulations for sustainable soil management.

2. Conflict in the various legislations that regulate agricultural soil and land management

practices.

3. There exist many land-related laws, some of which are incompatible, which has resulted

in complex land management regimes, giving rise to fragmented interventions, poor land

administration and inadequate provision of agricultural services.

4. Inadequate knowledge and skills on soil management

Policy Statements

The National government will:

1. Harmonize the existing laws to enhance the adoption of more integrative approaches to

natural resources management (NRM), including the more sustainable land use for

agricultural production.

2. Strengthen the Public Complaints Committee for environmental degradation related

issues.

3. Strengthen the environmental courts.

4. Develop capacity development strategy on soil management and environmental

conservation

The County government will:

1. Enhance compliance with environmental regulations.

2. Support the Public Complaints Committee for environmental degradation related issues.

3. Support Strengthening of the environmental courts.

4. implement capacity development strategy on soil management and environmental

conservation

3.2. Climate change and variability impacts on agricultural soils

Climate change and variability is associated with extreme temperatures and rainfall events which

negatively affect agricultural productivity. High rainfall leads to increased vegetative growth

which provides good soil cover. Excessive rainfall can lead to flooding and leaching of nutrients,

causes waterlogging and large mass movement of soil (land and mud slides). Long dry spells

lead to reduced vegetation cover leading to the soil being exposed to wind and water erosion.

High temperatures and drought lead to loss of soil carbon leading to low soil fertility. Extreme

drought and high temperatures associated with climate change also may lead to aggravated

incidences of forest / grassland fires which lead to loss of soil organic matter. The rate of soil

organic carbon sequestration with adoption of recommended technologies depends on soil

texture and structure, rainfall, temperature, farming system and soil management. Strategies to

increase the soil carbon pool include soil restoration and woodland regeneration, no-till farming,

cover crops, nutrient management, manuring and sludge application, improved grazing, water

conservation and harvesting, efficient irrigation, agroforestry practices and growing energy crops

on spare lands. (pick challenges from narratives

The National Climate Change Policy and strategies have been proposed and will enable the

country to facilitate a coordinated, coherent and effective response to the local, national and

global challenges and opportunities that climate change presents. The draft national climate

change framework policy also aims to enhance adaptive capacity and build resilience to climate

variability and change, while promoting low carbon development pathways.

Challenges

1. Developing specific predictions at spatial and temporal scales relevant to planning is still

challenging.

2. The capacity to respond to the adverse impacts and inherent uncertainty of climate change

remains very low.

3. Weak enforcement of strategies to combat climate change and variability.

4. Low budget allocation to mitigate the effects of climate change on soil health

5. Inadequate awareness on climate change

Policy Statements

The National governments will:

1. Facilitate the establishment of an accurate climate early warning system to enhance

preparedness in managing sudden climate variability and weather extremes.

2. Develop awareness raising strategies and capacity development on adaptation and

mitigation measures as per the climate change action plan.

3. Support climate smart agriculture.

4. Build and strengthen research capacity on climate change and related soil environmental

issues.

The County governments will:

1. Implement accurate climate early warning system to enhance preparedness in managing

sudden climate variability and weather extremes.

2. Implementation of awareness raising strategies and capacity development on the

opportunities for adaptation and mitigation measures as per the climate change action

plan.

3. Promote climate smart agriculture and associated technologies.

3.3. Soil extractive Industries

Soil extractive industry is an important sector in Kenya and is increasingly gaining importance

and attention. Economic activities that fall under extractive industries include but not limited to

extraction of minerals, quarrying, sand and soil harvesting and oil extraction. Despite its growing

importance to the Kenyan economy, serious concerns have been raised on the industry‟s impacts

on the environment and food production systems. It has been argued that at all stages of

extractive industry – from exploration and operations through to closure – land, water and air are

prone to pollution further aggravating the already degraded ecosystems in the country. Strict

enforcement of existing legislation to ensure thriving extractive industry for national economic

gains without compromising the sustainability of agricultural soils, the environment and

ecosystems as a whole is needed.

Challenges

1. Waste products from extractions suffocate the growth of vegetation hence leaving soil

bare and barren.

2. Environmental Impact Assessments and SEAs mitigation measures are weakly

implemented by extracting companies.

3. Inadequate awareness and education by the general public on the importance of a health

soil as well as a clean and healthy environment.

Policy Statements

The National government will:

1. Strengthen the capacity of Environmental Regulatory agency to effectively enforce

environmental related regulations.

2. Undertake mapping of soil extractive minerals that are not yet discovered and that are

economically viable for extraction country wide using the appropriate mapping

techniques.

Policy Statements

The County government will:

1. Implement/enforce environmental related regulations.

2. Support mapping of soil extractive minerals that are not yet discovered and that are

economically viable for extraction

3. Enhance public participation in the environmental impact assessment of all soil extractive

projects.

3.4. Infrastructure development and soil management

Socio-economic development is a major priority for Kenya. Sustainable environmental

management during the development process is also a priority. The challenge is how to balance

these issues in order to guarantee environmental integrity. For instance, during road construction,

extensive surface erosion in form of gullies have been seen to occur in areas where water flow

from the roads at discharge points like diversions or culverts is discharged down-slope to the

farm lands. There is also no clear policy direction on the responsibility for the control of runoff

from the road to adjacent land, and with experience from soil erosion damages caused by road

drainage; landowners are unwilling to allow water discharge onto their land.

Ideally the law should ensure that these activities are undertaken and managed to achieve

intended development objectives so long as they retain the integrity of the environment, thus

performing their role in the search for sustainable development. Another problem associated with

Infrastructure development and soil management is the sustainability of public and smallholder

irrigation schemes. In particular, most irrigation schemes end up degrading the soils as the water

quality used for irrigation under such circumstances is not suitable for irrigation. More often than

not such irrigation schemes are also initiated without first assessing the suitability of the soils for

irrigation.

In ASAL areas, harvesting of runoff and storage of the same into water pans and or dams makes

it available for domestic / livestock use and supplementary irrigation. The siting of permanent

watering points encourages settlement and overgrazing around the immediate neighborhood of

the structures leading to soil degradation.

The EMCA requires mandatory environmental impact assessment and Audit (EIA/A) before

commencement of projects such as road construction, water infrastructure and submit a report

specifying measures to ensure sustainable development. The government is now routinely

conducting EIA studies prior to infrastructure development. The EIA process also requires

collaboration between NEMA and sectorial lead agencies and public participation.

Challenges

1. Increased siltation of open water bodies such as rivers, dams and water pans from road

runoff.

2. Loss of life for humans and livestock as well as agricultural soils due to run off as a result

of infrastructural works.

3. Weak enforcement of environmental management plans regarding infrastructure

development.

4. Loss of agricultural soils through change of use such as urbanization and mining,

Policy statements

The National governments will:

1. Facilitate soil survey services in areas ear marked for irrigation in order to assess the

suitability of soils for irrigation in such areas.

2. Support development of agricultural soils management plans

The County governments will:

1. Support full compliance with the environmental management plans and existing

regulations to prevent damage of agricultural lands due to channeling of road runoff.

2. Ensure that roles and responsibilities of stakeholders on soil and water conservation

activities along roads are clearly defined.

3. Support soil survey services in areas ear marked for irrigation in order to assess the

suitability of soils for irrigation in such areas.

4. Facilitate development of agricultural soils management plans

CHAPTER 4: TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT, DISSEMINATION AND

UTILIZATION

4.1. Research and development

The contribution of research and development in agricultural development cannot be over

emphasized. The main goal of research is to serve as an instrument through which to improve

people‟s living standards by stimulating growth and increased productivity in critical productive

sectors of the economy.

Research remains an important component of soil management. Currently, there is a large

number of research activities and projects related to soils being implemented in various

institutions either of local or international status in Kenya. The major local institutions

undertaking soils research in the country include KALRO, the public Universities and some

private firms to a limited extent, while international institutions include World Agroforestry

Centre (ICRAF), ICIPE, CIMMYT, KEFRI and CIAT amongst others. Various technologies

have been developed in the areas of integrated soil fertility management including the bio fix

inoculants, conservation agriculture, agroforestry systems, soil and water conservation, water

harvesting and irrigation in addition to development of appropriate tools and equipment.

However, the research activities are often disjointed with each institution or project

implementing activities independent of each other. This often has led to duplication of efforts in

certain areas. Despite the government efforts to establish a number of Research and

Development (R&D) institutions as well as training of researchers in the country, the benefits of

research have not been fully realized. Only few research results have been converted into

tangible technologies.

There is weak research-extension linkage which affects dissemination of research findings to

end-users. Effective research-extension linkages would address socio-cultural factors, costs,

accessibility and suitability of new technologies that determine the rate of adoption of research

findings. Research institutions have inadequate capacity in terms of personnel, funding and

equipment to undertake crop, livestock and fisheries research.

Challenges

1. Limited communication amongst research institutions dealing with various aspects of soil

as well as amongst inter- and trans-disciplinary researchers.

2. Research findings not properly disseminated and researchers‟ language is not simplified

to suit the targeted users

3. Lack of well articulated research and development policy on soil management

4. The National Science and Technology Policy does not explicitly give guidance on ways

to address important gaps found in the R&D system.

5. ITK and innovations in sustainable soil management not recognized

6. Inadequate incentives to invest in R&D.

7. The system of research management and funding is weak and not properly coordinated.

8. Researchers have not been adequately rewarded on the basis of their research results,

partly on account of poor marketing and little protection of intellectual property rights.

Policy Statement:

The National government will:

1. Strengthen research laboratories to conduct soil management related research.

2. Prioritize setting of soils management research agenda and development of research

infrastructure across counties.

3. Develop capacity of research institutions to undertake soils research.

4. Support institutions of higher learning to undertake increased trainings of soil scientists

5. Promote collaboration with national, regional and international research organizations in

soils research.

6. Support the development and publication of user friendly farmers‟ and extension staff

manuals

7. Support and promote investment in soils research and analysis

The County governments will:

1. Support soil dissemination of research findings on agricultural soils and Indigenous

Technical Knowledge.

2. Develop mechanisms that strengthen research-extension-farmer linkages.

3. collaborate with national, regional and international research organizations in soils

research

4. Facilitate development and publication of user friendly farmers‟ and extension staff

manuals

4.2. Dissemination and adoption of technologies

Kenya‟s agriculture is dominated by small scale farmers (75% of the total production). There are

wide variations among the small scale farmers in the management practices and husbandry skills.

Therefore, provision of quality extension services is critical for the improvement of small holder

productivity including appropriate soil management technologies, farm income, and hence

poverty reduction.

The National Agricultural Sector Extension Policy (NASEP) was developed by key sector

ministries with the objectives of making extension service delivery more effective and efficient.

It has strong focus on promotion of pluralistic and demand driven extension service. It addresses

funding modalities and regulation of extension service. Despite its elaborate focus on improving

extension services in Kenya its effectiveness has not been felt.

Declining effectiveness of the extension services is a major factor constraining progressive

adoption of sustainable land management technologies and innovations, hence slowing growth of

Kenyan agriculture. An effective agricultural extension service that provides stakeholders with

relevant knowledge and information can improve agricultural productivity. Such information

should include improved soil management technologies and innovations, improved seeds and

planting materials, crop husbandry, post-harvest management and marketing.

Targeting soil management extension service provision has already been necessitated by

declining agricultural productivity. Access to the right soil management technologies for site-

specific inputs at the right time is intended to increase farmers‟ ability to optimize the use of

their resources. There is little formal collaboration among extension providers, a situation that

has led to lack of synergy and poor access to extension support services.

The adoption of soil management technologies has been low and this has had a negative effect on

agricultural land management. Through this policy farmers and other relevant stakeholders will

be encouraged to adopt modern agricultural soil management practices and appropriate

technologies to increase crop productivity and efficiency. Cooperation and collaboration in soil

management research and technology, and information sharing will be promoted with local,

national, regional and international partners.

Challenges

1. Inadequate personnel and funding for agricultural extension service.

2. Limited collaboration among extension service providers resulting in conflicting

messages to end-users.

3. Weak research- extension- farmer linkage.

4. Inadequate involvement of farmers in soil management technology development leading

to low adoption

5. Inadequate institutional arrangements to support implementation of soil management

programmes.

Policy Statements

The National government will:

1. Support use of ICT in agricultural soil management

2. Support Involvement of end users in identifying soil management priority research areas.

The County governments will:

1. Facilitate an effective pluralistic extension service including use of ICT

2. Ensure quality assurance and regulation in extension service provision.

3. Facilitate participatory soil management technology development and adoption

4. Involve end users in identifying soil management priority research areas.

5. Strengthen research – extension – farmer linkages

CHAPTER 5: FERTILIZER DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENTS

5.1. Fertilizer Access

(a) Fertilizer Investment Programme

Since 1991, the fertilizer industry has been liberalized and the various fertilizer merchants import

the fertilizer and distribute it through a network of agro dealers. Kenya mainly relies on imported

fertilizer with minimum amounts being blended locally. Bulk of imports is by private sector and

Government agencies notably KTDA and NCPB. The consumption of fertilizer in Kenya is

estimated at 500,000 metric tonnes per year. Major sources include USA, Europe, Middle East,

Asia and South Africa with China, India and Singapore emerging as new sources.

Kenya Vision 2030 and ASTGS aim at transforming agriculture into an innovative,

commercially oriented and modern sector by increasing productivity through enhancing

availability of widely accessible fertilizers and seeds. The ASDS, developed from Kenya Vision

2030, addressed the high cost of fertilizer through the implementation of the three-tier flagship

fertilizer cost reduction strategy of; bulk procurement, local manufacture and blending as well as

the establishment of a fertilizer and seed fund.

(b) Bulk Procurement (Government Subsidy Programme)

The fertilizer market was liberalized in 1991 and the private sector imported and sold the

fertilizers without any Government controls. However, in 2008 due to the rise of the price of

crude oil and effects of the post election violence, the local fertilizers price rose from ksh. 2,500

to over ksh. 6,500 per 50 kg bag of DAP. The Government introduced the subsidized fertilizer in

2008 mainly to stabilize fertilizer prices which had become unaffordable to most of the farmers.

The price of the subsidized fertilizer stands at Ksh.1800 and ksh.1500 for planting and top

dressing fertilizers respectively. On the hand the market price for DAP and CAN is KSh3,300

and 2,900 respectively. The subsidized fertilizer amounts to 30% of the total annual national

demand of 500,000 metric tons, while the private sector meets the rest. However, the subsidized

fertilizers were only availed through the National Cereals and Produce Board, a State

Corporation, forcing farmers to travel significant distances to access the fertilizer. In 2015 the

government introduced the electronic fertilizer subsidy management system where farmers

access fertilizers from accredited private agro dealers countrywide in addition to the NCPB. This

system brings the fertilizer closer to the farmers and also involves the private sector who had

earlier felt threatened by the subsidy programme. However, the subsidy programme where

money was wholly sourced from Treasury, was a short term stop gap measure to avail fertilizers

to the farmers while a long term solution was being designed. In addition, adulteration and late

disbursement to the farmers of the subsidy fertilizers have been a major problem.

The Kenya National Fertilizer Development Strategy and Action Plan identifies local fertilizer

manufacture and blending as one of the strategic actions to address fertilizer in Kenya by making

it easily accessible and available to the farmers. The Government has identified strategic partner

in the establishment of a fertilizer blending and manufacturing plant in the country. This plant is

already operational. Going by the declining trends of other essential plant nutrients in Kenyan

soils for example, trace elements such as copper, zinc and iron, there is need for fertilizer blends

that match the requirements of farm- specific nutrients.. It is anticipated that since transport cost

of imported fertilizers contributes a substantial part of the cost to the farmers, local production

will lead to lower prices.

There are initiatives to develop local production of biological fertilizers due to the increasing

awareness in organic farming. Small scale production of organic fertilizers is on-going. There is

some capacity to manufacture some soil conditioners such as lime in the country.

(d) Establishment of a Fertilizer and Seed Fund:

In efforts to enhance provision of fertilizer to farmers at affordable prices, the Government

established The Fertilizer and Seed Development Fund under „Public Financial Management

(Fertilizer and seed development fund) Regulations, 2014‟. This is a revolving fund from which

the resources would be used to purchase fertilizer when international prices are favourable and

also ensure timely availability. The fund would finance the subsidy fertilizers for vulnerable

farmers and make the programme sustainable; affordable credit to fertilizer stakeholders along

the value chain; soil analysis; seed research and bulking; establishment of seed storage facilities;

quality control for fertilizers; and capacity building for beneficiaries (vulnerable farmers).

Challenges

1. High transportation costs leading to high prices of fertilizers.

2. Centers for distributing fertilizers are poorly distributed making accessibility difficult

3. Inadequate raw materials for local manufacture of fertilizers.

4. Limited range and timely availability of fertilizer types

5. Inadequate availability of soils laboratories for testing the quality of organic and

inorganic fertilizers

6. Inadequate enforcement mechanisms for biological and organic fertilizers due to unclear

mandates of various state agencies.

7. Lack of structures for sustainability of the fertilizer subsidy program.

8. Inadequate bulk fertilizer storage facilities.

9. Unfavorable terms of trade between farm inputs and outputs.

10. Limited data / information to guide on site specific fertilizer recommendations

11. Weak enforcement of existing legislations.

Policy Statements

The National government will:

1. Support private sector investment in fertilizer production and storage.

2. Implement mechanisms to ensure accessibility, availability and affordability of the right

type of fertilizers by the vast majority of smallholders.

3. Support further exploration and geological work to establish the availability of the critical

raw materials for fertilizer manufacturing in the Country.

4. Support research on fertilizer recommendation to guide the manufacturing and

importation of the right type of fertilizers for the different soil conditions in the country.

5. Improve on infrastructure to reduce transportation costs for fertilizers.

6. Ensure fertilizers are sourced and procured through incentives including but not limited

to zero-rating, credit and subsidy provisions.

The County Governments will

1. promote efficient distribution and timely access to fertilizers in partnership with the

private sector

2. Support provision of high quality and affordable fertilizers inputs for use along crops

commodity value chains.

3. Promote regular fertilizer testing in liaison with researchers, extension staff and farmers

4. Strengthen inputs and equipment surveillance mechanisms to ensure compliance with set

standards.

5. Promote manufacturing of soil specific blended fertilizers and provide appropriate

incentives to attract investors.

5.2. Quality assurance

Adulteration and other malpractices in the fertilizer market have been noted and the situation is

likely to worsen as the number of players increase. Quality assurance is required to guard against

malpractices in the handling of fertilizers in the country. Imported fertilizer is tested for quality

at both the point of origin and point of entry by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) but the

acts of distributors and retailers are unregulated and malpractices become rampant during

packing and repackaging. In addition, locally produced organic fertilizers are often not graded

and the nutrient composition is not clearly indicated in the packaging.

Challenges

1. Lack of enforcement mechanisms due to unclear mandates of various state agencies

despite existence of standards for inorganic fertilizers.

2. Lack of proper labeling and certification of fertilizers

3. Lack of standards for organic and biological fertilizers.

4. Inadequate capacity for quality assurance analysis which includes laboratories, equipment

and personnel.

5. Lack of small packages affordable to small scale farmers.

Policy Statements

The National government will:

1. Develop and support enforcement of standards for organic and biological fertilizers.

2. Support capacity development for quality assurance

3. Enhance fertilizer Quality Assurance

The County government will:

1. Enforce the regulations and the standards.

2. Undertake capacity development for quality assurance

3. Upscale fertilizer quality inspectorate

5.3. Soil management investments- soil testing

There exist soil testing facilities in the private and public institutions. However they are few and

far from their clients and their charges are high. Costs of analysis are often unaffordable by the

smallholders and in some cases the time taken to receive the results is longer than appropriate.

There is shortage of qualified staff to run the laboratories and inadequate capacity to make

accurate recommendations based on the results. There is also lack of coordination amongst the

active laboratories to ensure standardization of analytical methods for harmonized

recommendations based on laboratory results. This has given room to often conflicting soil

management recommendations being provided to farmers.

Challenges

1. Inadequate number of accredited soil analysis laboratories.

2. Inadequate soil testing and analysis infrastructure and, personnel.

3. Lack of standardization of laboratory soil analysis methods.

4. High costs of soil analysis

5. Lack of regulatory framework for soil testing and analysis.

Policy statements

The National government will:

1. Promote the establishment of accredited regional laboratories manned by qualified staff.

2. Develop standards for soil analysis for the laboratories.

3. Provide mechanisms for lowering of the cost of soil testing laboratory services

4. Support the capacity building (human resource and operating facilities) and improvement

for collaborating organizations in the area of soil fertility management.

5. Develop a regulatory framework for soil analysis.

The County government will:

1. Support soil testing for all farms

2. Support the capacity building (human resource and operating facilities) and improvement

for collaborating organizations in the area of soil fertility management.

5.4. Resource mobilization

The government budgetary allocation towards fertilizer development and investment is often

inadequate. Effective funding of the soil management will require public – private partnership to

bridge the budgetary gap. The implementation of such an initiative should take cognizance of the

private sector and multilateral and bilateral development partners. The intrinsic value of soil to

national and local agro ecological and economic productivity is not adequately manifested in

financial planning and decision making, thus challenging long-term sustainability as the soils

resource degrades. While efforts to internalize the external costs of soil degradation in monetary

units have been made by scientists, little attention has been given to elicit the mobilization of

resources both human and capital to counteract the continued degradation.

Challenges

1. High cost of fertilizer associated with infrastructure

2. High cost of establishment of soil and water management structures

3. Inadequate funding to soil and water conservation activities

4. Long bureaucratic procedures for infrastructure investment in the country.

Policy Statements

The National government will:

1. Support development of fertilizer associated infrastructure to attract private investment.

2. Support mechanism to bring down the cost of doing fertilizer business.

3. Establish mechanism to fund soil and water conservation works

The County government will:

1. Prioritize soil and water conservation in annual workplans and budget.

2. Establish mechanism to bring down the cost of doing fertilizer business.

3. fund soil and water conservation works

CHAPTER 6: INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK

6.1. Introduction

The Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives will develop an

Implementation Plan that will designate the roles and responsibility of all parties. The Plan will

also include a set of performance indicators and measures to assess progress towards the

effective restoration, conservation and management of agricultural soils in Kenya. Further, the

framework will provide for institutional strengthening and capacity building for effective

delivery of agricultural soil management services, including mechanisms for financing the

implementation of the policy. The implementation framework will incorporate an integrated

approach, joint planning and participation of stakeholders. The focus will be addressed through

coordinated programmes and projects. These include: institutional reforms, operations and

maintenance, research and technology development, information gathering and management,

monitoring and evaluation, capacity building and training, and infrastructural development. This

Policy underscores the government‟s commitment to increase the public-private partnerships

(PPP) to strengthen sustainability of the sector.

6.2. The National and County governments

The National government, in collaboration with County governments and other relevant

stakeholders will review this policy as may be necessary to respond to emerging development

and implementation issues. The envisaged framework shall feed into the wider establishment of

new institutions, review and re-organize the existing institutions and other mechanisms to

operationalize this policy. The National government in consultation with County governments

and other relevant legal and parliamentary committees will formulate a NASM Act.

The National government in consultation with the County governments and other stakeholders

shall develop a NASM strategy investment plan to implement the NASM policy. County

governments may develop their own specific ASM strategic and implementation plans in line

with the National strategy and guidelines. National and County governments will respectively

take responsibility for development of annual implementation plans for NASM policy. Whenever

appropriate, the National or County governments will individually or concurrently establish

institutions to address new developments in the agricultural soil management sub sector.

6.3. Institutional Framework

The National Government shall establish and set up a National Agricultural Soil Management

Unit that will be responsible for coordination and implementation of the NASM policy activities.

The National and County Governments shall set up mechanisms to strengthen functional

linkages between the Ministry of Agriculture and the ministries responsible for finance, land,

water, forestry and environment. The two levels of government shall make efforts to strengthen

linkages between researchers, extension service and the farmers to enhance research and

development as well as technology adoption in sustainable soil management practices. The main

players in soil and water management arena are summarized in Table 1.

Table 1: Legal Institutions under the NASM Policy

Institutions

Roles

Key linkages

Ministry of

Agriculture,

Livestock,

Fisheries and

Cooperatives

(MoALF

&C)

1. Responsible for mobilization of resources

2. Oversee, in collaboration with County governments, the formulation of

agricultural soil management (ASM) laws and policies, provide sector

regulation, coordination and guidance, and monitoring and evaluation.

3. Appoint officers and carry out other mandates as may be specified in the

National Agricultural Soil Management Policy

4. Report to Parliament as may be necessary, on the state of, and needs for,

soil management in the country.

5. Promote the cooperation of other ministries, state corporations, research

institutions and agencies of the national Government, county governments,

as well as private sector, non-Government organizations in order to

encourage broad support for restoration, conservation and proper

management of agricultural soils.

6. Overseeing implementation of the NASM policy

7. Creating an enabling environment for commercialization of agriculture in

which smallholder farmers will be assured of good returns if invest soil

fertility enhancing strategies.

8. Revitalizing and strengthening public and private creditors to provide

affordable loans to farmers for farm operations and purchase of inputs.

9. Provision of agricultural services including research liaison and extension

services in collaboration with County governments other service providers

guided by the NAEP.

10. Provision of strategic research services through KALRO.

11. Formulation of National projects and programmes in collaboration with

County governments and other relevant stakeholders.

12. In consultation with County governments, develop an investment plan and

Other Sector ministries e.g.

Ministry of Environment &

Forestry ; Ministry of Water

Sanitation and Irrigation;

Ministry of Lands; Ministry

of Energy; Ministry of

Public Service, Youth and

Gender Affair; County

Department responsible for

Agriculture; Sector

Development Partners and

Private Sector and financial

institutions and

development partners such

as GiZ, GDC, SIDA, EU,

DFID, IFAD, ADB, World

Bank

respective strategic plans for sustainable soil management.

National

Agricultural

Soil

Management

Unit (to be

established

with the

mandate of

overseeing

and

regulating

the nations‟

soils‟

resource use

and

management)

1. Oversight and coordinate, in collaboration with County agriculture soil

management units, soil‟s related activities including quality assurance of

soil improvement inputs

2. Collaborate and liaise with other agencies involved in ASM at local,

regional and international levels;

3. Capacity building, coordination of technology and research development

in the areas of ASM;

4. Establish a national Agricultural Soil Management Information System

ASMIS); Sourcing of information on soil and water management and

disseminating the same to stakeholders;

5. Inventorying key stakeholders involved in Agricultural Soil Management

6. Acting as a bridge between institutions involved in soil fertility and

agricultural soil management matters;

7. Establishing a forum for exchange of information between key

stakeholders involved in ASM

8. Regulating soil analytical methods and data from different laboratories to

conform to quality and accuracy of results for farmer advisory services.

9. Participating in validation of research results on soil management

improvement in readiness for up-scaling the applied technologies

;

10. Monitoring enforcement and coordinating implementation of legal and

policy instruments relating to ASM.

11. In consultation with County governments, spearhead implementation of

the ASM policy, guidelines and standards.

12. Monitoring and evaluation of ASM activities and their impacts;

13. Mainstreaming agricultural soil management related statutory obligations

such as environmental, water, land and forestry

14. Capacity builds farmers and support development of ASM curriculum in

Agricultural Training Institutions.

National and County

Department of Agriculture

responsible for Agriculture;

all national and county

institutions responsible for

natural resource

management;

development partners and

other financial institutions ;

private sector and farmer

organizations; extension,

research and farming

communities; and standards

institutions

15. Setting up within its structure a Soil Survey PR actioners Board that will

advise and oversee the operation and management of strategic soil projects

where soils plays a significant role such as in irrigation projects

16. Setting linkages with relevant professional bodies such as the Soil Science

Society of East Africa (SSSEA) and other training institutions for

improved staff development in the field of sustainable soil management

practices

County

Governments

1. Oversight and coordinate in the County soil management units, soil‟s

related activities including quality assurance of soil improvement inputs

2. Capacity building, coordination of technology adoption and adaptive

research development in the areas of ASM;

3. Provide linkages to the national Agricultural Soil Management

Information System (ASMIS); Sourcing of information on soil and water

management and disseminating the same to stakeholders;

4. Inventorying key county stakeholders involved in Agricultural Soil

Management

5. Participating in validation of research results on soil management

improvement in readiness for up-scaling the applied technologies

;

6. Enforcement and coordinating implementation of legal and policy

instruments relating to ASM.

7. Implementation of the ASM policy, guidelines and standards.

8. Participating in monitoring and evaluation of ASM activities and their

impacts;

9. Mainstreaming agricultural soil management related statutory obligations

such as environmental, water, land and forestry

10. Training farmers and support development of ASM curriculum in

Agricultural Training Institutions.

11. Providing technical advisory and other support services in proper soil

All actors in the agricultural

sector

management practices.

KALRO

1. Prioritize setting of agricultural soil research agenda and development of

research infrastructure across counties.

2. Promoting demand - driven research in soil management.

3. Provide for dissemination of research findings and ITK.

4. Provide for mechanism of sharing of ASM research findings.

5. National government will develop capacity of research institutions to

undertake soils research.

6. Developing mechanism that strengthens research-extension-farmer and

linkages.

7. The National government in conjunction with County governments will

prioritize collaboration with national, regional and international research

organizations in soil management.

8. Promoting research in proper utilization and management of soil resources

for crops production.

9. Encourage institutions of higher learning to undertake demand-driven soils

research and share findings.

10. The National government will support the development of new soil

management technologies and innovations to enhance crop production.

KALRO and linked to

county governments other

local, regional and

international research

institutions; Universities;

farmer training centers;

private sector; Civil Society,

farmers and farmers

organizations

Universities

and other

institutions

of higher

learning

1. Identify key training priority areas in ASM for the sub-sector in

collaboration with the National and County governments and other

relevant stakeholders.

2. Development of relevant training curricula by the universities and other

institutions of higher learning in collaboration with the National and

County governments and other relevant stakeholders.

3. Undertake scheduled training in ASM in collaboration with relevant

stakeholders.

MoALF&C, closely linked

to public and private

universities; and other

training institutions, locally,

regionally and

internationally

4. . Establish mechanisms for information sharing amongst stakeholders

5. Keep pace in technology changes and ensure continuous staff development

in ASM through regular review of training needs assessment.

KALRO and

Universities

1. Carrying out research on soil fertility and plant nutrition and make

appropriate soil fertility management recommendations

2. Provision of soil testing and analytical laboratory services on soil, water,

fertilizer and plant tissues.

3. Conducting socio-economic studies associated with soil and water

resources.

4. Developing best farm management practices that combine well with

fertilizer use and soil and water conservation works

5. Regular appraisal of soil and water management practices

6. Conducting applied research with extension organizations and farmers

7. Involvement in ASM-related collaborative research with private firms, and

other public bodies.

8. Provide mechanisms of establishing County research – extension liaison

officers

9. Give higher priority to commodity-based research to exploit the principle

of comparative advantage by targeting specific farm enterprises in agro-

ecological zones in which they are naturally adapted for production with

ease.

KALRO and linked to other

local, regional and

international research

institutions; Universities;

farmer training centers;

private sector; Civil Society,

farmers and farmers

organizations

Agriculture,

and Food

Authority

Formulation of land use regulations

NASM Unit, Universities,

and research institutions,

private sector

KEPHIS

1. Oversee regulatory functions on organic and bio fertilizers

2. Monitoring soil, fertilizer and water quality to ensure quality assurance.

3. Inspection and analysis of soil, water and fertilizer materials for purposes

of enforcing the rules and regulations there under.

4. Provides analytical infrastructure for soil fertility inputs

KEBS, and other accredited

soil laboratories, KSTCIE,

KOFA, KOAN, KALRO,

Government Chemist

MENR

1. Oversee implementation of the environmental policy and EIA.

2. Enforce Environmental Management Co-ordination Act (EMCA) on soil

and water pollutants.

NEMA, MoALF&C,

KALRO, Other research

organizations, Universities

10.

NEMA

Responsible for the overall environmental management including those related to

agricultural soil management and specifically to monitor and enforce

Environmental Quality Standards Regulations

MoALF&C, GEF, UNEP

11.

KEBS

1. Establishment of quality standards of all products on the Kenya market

under the provisions of the Standards Act (Cap 496) of the Laws of Kenya.

2. Developing fertilizer standards, quality control and certification of

fertilizer materials in collaboration with National Agricultural Soil

Management agency, MoALF&C, KALRO and KEPHIS

3. Provides and administer the standards of soil fertility inputs

NEMA, KEPHIS, soils

accredited labs, KSTCIE,

KALRO, Universities

12.

Radiation

Board

1. Responsible for ensuring compliance to standards in respect to radioactive

materials in soil fertility inputs

NEMA, KEBS

13.

NLC

To conduct research related to land and the use of natural resources, and make

recommendations to appropriate authorities

MoALF&C, MoEN&F,

KALRO, MoL MoWS&I

CHAPTER 7 COORDINATION, MONITORING AND EVALUATION

OF THE POLICY IMPLEMENTATION

7.1. Coordination

It is important that all actors of this policy are coordinated whilst implementing the policy.

The

Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives shall be responsible for

coordinating all stakeholders of this policy. The Agricultural Sector Ministries have an

important

role to play in ensuring a holistic approach in the implementation of the policy.

Proper

coordination on the implementation will lead to awareness creation to all stakeholders to accrue a

number of benefits which include integral and optimal utilization of the efforts

and resources

from all players. The established coordination mechanism shall interface with county

coordination systems essentially producing a national system.

The County Government shall be responsible for

coordinating all stakeholders implementing

this policy at the county level. The Agricultural Sector County Departments have an

important

role to play in ensuring a holistic approach in the implementation of the policy.

Proper

coordination on the implementation

will avoid duplication of efforts amongst the

stakeholders,

conflicts on the use of resources and interventions and ensure a holistic

approach on land

and water resources development and on integrated soil fertility resources management.

7.2. Monitoring and Evaluation

Monitoring on the implementation of the NASM Policy is an ongoing process. This will ensure

focused sustainable land management for the realization of the objectives. Monitoring will be

participatory involving all the stakeholders and beneficiaries. The

Ministry of Agriculture,

Livestock, Fisheries & Cooperatives together with relevant MDAs and in collaboration

with the County Governments sha

ll collect, compile and analyze i

nformation on the

implementation of various soil management interventions from other

implementers of the

policy. The information will be processed so as to compare the various benchmarks with actual

implementation of the interventions.