Integrating RA-PURE for Resilient Food Systems in Kenya

Abstract 

This policy brief examines how regenerative agriculture and the productive use of renewable energy (RA-PURE) can contribute to more resilient food systems in Kenya. It draws on a policy dialogue convened in Nairobi on 9 July 2026 by SNV, in collaboration with AGRA, GOGLA, and other partners under the Power for Food Partnership. The dialogue brought together government representatives, county authorities, private-sector actors, researchers, farmer organisations, development partners, and NGOs to identify opportunities for stronger coordination and investment across agriculture, energy, water, climate, and finance.

The brief argues that Kenya already has a strong foundation for RA-PURE through national, county, regional, and continental policy frameworks. However, agriculture and energy policies and institutions continue to operate largely in silos, while financing, implementation responsibilities, and monitoring systems are not yet organised around the integrated RA-PURE nexus. The brief therefore identifies coordination, financing, market development, and evidence generation as the main priorities for moving from isolated pilots to wider adoption.

It sets out national and regional actions across three areas: strengthening policy coherence and coordination; mobilising investment and developing market opportunities; and generating and sharing evidence for scale. Key recommendations include establishing an interministerial RA-PURE coordination platform linked to county governments, developing joint results and accountability indicators, expanding private-sector participation and climate-finance mechanisms, and promoting inclusive business models such as pay-as-you-go systems, equipment leasing, energy-as-a-service, and cooperative ownership. The brief also calls for stronger evidence and demonstration of returns on investment, regional harmonisation of technology standards, and the integration of RA-PURE into existing CAADP, EAC, AfCFTA, and other continental processes.

Authors

This policy brief is authored by AKADEMIYA2063 (Paul M. Guthiga, Meera Shah, Katrin Glatzel, and Aisha M. S. Nakitto) and supported by the Power for Food Partnership.

For more information

Visit AKADEMIYA2063's page for more information about their work here.