The performance of the fibre crops in Kenya has been in a direct correlation with the prevailing policy environment. National policies and strategies influence the competitiveness of the fibre value chain. It is therefore necessary that existing policies and practices are analyzed and reviewed to enhance the competitiveness. With the enactment of the Kenya constitution 2010 that saw the adoption of devolved system of government, Agriculture function was devolved with distinct roles of National and County governments in the sector defined. This has triggered many reforms in the sector that have seen the formation of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Authority (AFFA) after the enactment of Crops Act, 2013 and AFFA Act, 2013. In view of these transformations AFFA organized and hosted “The Fibre Crops stakeholders’ conference on 28^th - 29^th July, 2015 at Utalii Hotel Nairobi” with the theme “Improving the fibre value chains in Kenya through partnerships.”

The objective of the conference was to deliberate on the implications of various policy changes occurring in the industry in line with the constitution, the current legal and the institutional framework and to discuss the opportunities and challenges in the Production, Research, Processing and Value Addition, Funding, Trade and Marketing, among other issues and charter the way forward.

The conference brought together over eighty policy makers at both levels of government and stakeholders (NGOs representative, government institutions and farmers) who shared experiences and deliberated on the policies that are responsive to the chain performance and players. It also provided an opportunity to review the current policies to make the value chain more globally competitive as well as identify the opportunities available.

During the conference, Interim Director of AFFA, Dr. Alfred Busolo highlighted the huge potential fibre crops hold for the Country since most of them are suitable for Arid and Semi-Arid Land areas which comprises over 75% of the Kenya’s arable land. Notwithstanding, he reiterated the critical challenges facing the sector that needs the conference to look into and come up with appropriate solutions and capabilities.These challenges ranges from poor farming technologies applied by farmers, inadequate certified or quality seeds, disorganized markets and the setbacks caused by previous structural adjustments reforms that hit the agricultural sector hindering the development of the fibre sub-sector. These remarks were echoed by the Chief Guest Dr. Irungu representing the Principal Secretary who emphasized the commitment of the government in revitalizing the fibre sub-sector in the country. He expressed the need to adopt modern ways of farming to improve production and ensure an organized sub-sector upstream of the fiber crops value chain. Besides, he notified the delegates on the extension of African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) by USA and the new engagement with European Union to open up new horizons of markets to sub-sector produce and apparel products, He empathically emphasized the need for the sub-sector to seize this huge opportunity created by these agreements.

Several presentations were made by different personalities in the sub-sector representing different elements along the fibre value chains and plenary facilitated discussions were held to elaborate and capture any new or emerging issues regarding the themes presented. The delegates reviewed the existingginneries, spinners and textile industries to ascertain their status and identify actionable areas needed to revive the sub-sector. Fibre commodities have been categorized in Kenya as priority fibre (Cotton, Sisal and Silk) and emerging fibre (Kenaf, Sunn hemp, Papyrus, Congo jute, Banana among others).

Notably, the progress of introducing Genetically Modified Cotton was discussed and the conference agreed to encourage application of Biotech (Bt) Cotton for environmental release despite the existing government ban on importation and use of GMOs. The delegates saw this as an option to boost the productivity of cotton in the country.