Strengthening Skills and Opportunities for Youth in Agriculture: Insights from the Kenya Agricultural Industrial Linkage Workshop 2025

Date: 18th July 2025 | Venue: Kantaria Agricultural Technology and Innovation Centre (KATIC) | Host: Kenya Agricultural Students Association (KASA)

In commemoration of World Youth Skills Day, the Agricultural Industrial Linkage Workshop 2025 brought together a dynamic mix of stakeholders—including university and TVET students, private sector players, youth networks, and government institutions—at the Kantaria Agricultural Technology and Innovation Centre (KATIC). Organized by the Kenya Agricultural Students Association (KASA), the workshop focused on the theme “Strengthening Skills and Opportunities for Youth in Agriculture.”

The event served as a vital platform to examine the disconnect between academic agricultural training and the evolving needs of the agrifood industry. Discussions centered on bridging this gap through collaborative efforts and innovative models that prepare students for a competitive, fast-changing sector.

YPARD Kenya Representation

YPARD Kenya actively contributed to the panel discussions through its Country Representative, Jenice Audi. She emphasized several key areas:

• The value of structured mentorship programs using tools like the YPARD Mentorship Toolkit.
• Promoting global exposure for youth via forums such as the Global Landscapes Forum and international fellowships.
• Integrating internships and soft skills development into training programs to balance theory with practical experience.
• Encouraging the development of "interns with a purpose"—youth who are well-trained, accountable, and ready to address real-world challenges.

YPARD Kenya also showcased successful initiatives, including blended mentorship models, student-led engagements, and global collaborations, which have supported over 2,500 young professionals across the country. Other attending members included Irene Kagera, Emily Dacha, and Haggai Muruka.

Key Highlights and Discussions

Student Perspectives
Students from universities and TVET institutions voiced concerns about:

• Limited access to hands-on training and exposure to agricultural technologies.
• Inadequate opportunities for field-level experiences and interaction with agribusiness ecosystems.
• A lack of structured support in transitioning from academic study to employment or entrepreneurship.

Academia Perspectives
Academic representatives acknowledged several structural barriers:

• Inadequate funding for practical training, demonstrations, and innovation facilities.
• The need for stronger industry-academia partnerships to enhance course relevance and graduate preparedness.
• The Vice Chancellor of the University of Nairobi underscored the urgency of revising outdated agricultural curricula to meet modern industry standards.

Industry Perspectives
Industry stakeholders, including Elgon Kenya, KUZA Biashara, and ASNET, shared their observations:

• Graduates often lack soft skills such as report writing, teamwork, and accountability.
• The sector needs job creators and innovators, not just job seekers.
• There is an urgent call to train with purpose, combining technical know-how with life skills, global exposure, and an innovation mindset.

Mr. Bimal from Elgon Kenya urged academic institutions to champion curriculum reform, while Mr. Shree from KUZA Biashara highlighted the role of micro and small enterprises as major employment drivers for youth.

Opportunities Shared

Participants were introduced to several promising pathways for youth advancement:

• Fellowships and internships, particularly through KATIC, aimed at enhancing practical learning.
• Study and exchange programs in France, which boasts robust agricultural universities and a thriving agribusiness ecosystem.
• Ongoing partnerships with youth networks like YPARD, which help build professional capacity and expand employment networks.

Recommendations

To foster a skilled and empowered youth workforce in agriculture, the workshop proposed the following:

• Revise the agriculture curriculum to reflect current industry realities.
• Strengthen linkages between academia and industry to ensure relevance in training.
• Institutionalize mentorship, internships, and soft skills development within academic programs.
• Encourage the private sector to offer structured, goal-oriented internship programs.
• Provide global exposure and professional networking opportunities for students to enhance their competitiveness.

Conclusion

The Agricultural Industrial Linkage Workshop 2025 ignited critical dialogue and collaboration across sectors. A shared message emerged: youth are the future of agriculture, but unlocking their potential requires intentional partnerships, practical training, and empowered leadership.

YPARD Kenya reaffirmed its commitment to championing youth engagement in agriculture through mentorship, knowledge exchange, and policy advocacy. The future of the agrifood sector depends on the meaningful inclusion of young professionals equipped with the right skills and opportunities.

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