KBC Channel 1

Author: KBC Digital

  • KALRO warns over looming food shortage over failed rains

    KALRO warns over looming food shortage over failed rains

    The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) is calling for urgent mitigation measures to address the expected food shortage in the country next year.

    According to the research organization, food baskets in the country had recorded crop-failure occasioned by climate change and failed rains.

    This comes at a time when parts of the country are already feeling the full effects of drought while fall-army worms have left a trail of destruction in maize growing regions.

    According to KALRO Director General Dr Patrick Ketiem, most of the maize growing regions had reported crop failure due to depressed rain.

    He said that the organization was keenly working with farmers in capacity building, introduction of new drought resistant crops and advising them to embrace irrigation.

    “We are finding that despite the technology, the issue of climate change is becoming very serious and across the country maize has done poorly due to depressed rainfall,” he said.

    Ketiem was addressing the press after the ground breaking ceremony of the Naivasha KALRO research Agri-park that will offer all the organization’s products, innovation and services to members of the public under one roof.

    The DG said that plans were underway to open more agri-parks in Thika, Kipkelion and Nyeri as part of bringing their services and products closer to the farmer.

    “The research Agri-Pack is designed to bring researchers, farmers and the other partners into one space and to be able to scale some of the technologies and innovations that we have developed over time,” he said.

    On his part, KALRO Chairman Dr Thuo Mathenge said the research institution had introduced a new maize variety that was resistant to fall-army worms.

    He said that the ‘mujeshi variety’ would come in handy in dealing with the worm that has left a trail of destruction across the country.

    Thuo added that the research organization would continue to support farmers through new seed varieties as one way of addressing food security in the country.

    “On the agri-park, this will offer our customers and farmers a chance to sample all our products and services under one roof,” he said.

    Naivasha Deputy County Commissioner Josiah Odongo identified land grabbing as one of the major challenges facing KALRO adding that the government was keen to address this.

    “Most parts of the sub-county have recorded crop failure and this is a threat to food security but we are confident government institutions like KALRO will address this,” he said.

  • Kazi Majuu: Mudavadi lauds conclusion of MOU on labour, migration cooperation with Austria

    Kazi Majuu: Mudavadi lauds conclusion of MOU on labour, migration cooperation with Austria

    Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, has lauded Austria’s contribution to the conclusion of the Memorandum of Understanding on Labour and Migration Cooperation.

    The CS described it as a critical framework that has enabled Kenya’s youthful and skilled workforce to respond to Austria’s growing demand for qualified professionals.

    He said the partnership is already delivering tangible results, with Kenyan healthcare professionals taking up employment opportunities in Carinthia, including at KABEG Hospital.

    “I appreciate our successful collaboration in convening the Austria Job Fair in Nairobi last year. The event increased awareness of employment opportunities in Austria, particularly in the healthcare sector, while equipping prospective applicants with practical information on eligibility requirements, recruitment procedures, and available labour mobility pathways,” Mudavadi said.

    He was speaking during farewell ceremony of the outgoing Austria Ambassador to Kenya Dr Christian Fellner for the successful completion of his tour of duty in Kenya.

    Mudavadi also welcomed the growing collaboration between Kenyan and Austrian universities through Erasmus+, Africa-UniNet, joint research initiatives, and other academic partnerships.

    According to Mudavadi, these programmes continue to strengthen innovation, research, knowledge exchange, and people-to-people ties between the two countries.

    He described the future of Kenya–Austria relations as promising, even as he lauded Austria’s recently launched Africa Strategy, which reflects a renewed commitment to deeper engagement with our continent.

    ” I am confident that this forward-looking framework will further strengthen cooperation in trade and investment, skills development, innovation, climate action, education, and people-to-people exchanges,” he said.

    He affirmed Kenya’s appreciation for Austria’s commitment of €40 million in concessional financing.

    Mudavadi was optimistic over the continued implementation of both the Kenya–Austria Framework Agreement for Financial Cooperation and the Labour and Migration Cooperation Agreement, which provide practical platforms for expanding mutually beneficial economic cooperation, sustainable development, investment, and opportunities for the people.

    At the same time, he acknowledged the delays affecting the implementation of the Mokubo Water Supply Project in Kisii and Phase II of the Mother and Child Hospital Project at Kenyatta National Hospital.

    He, however, assured to work closely with the relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies to facilitate the timely implementation of these important projects so that they can deliver lasting benefits to the Kenyans.

    He said the ambassador is leaving Kenya at a time when Kenya–Austria relations are stronger than ever.

    “The solid foundation established during your tenure provides an excellent platform for our partnership to continue flourishing under your successor,” the CS said.

    “I trust that your years in Kenya have been both professionally rewarding and personally enriching. I also hope that you will continue to be a steadfast friend and advocate of Kenya and Africa wherever your diplomatic journey takes you.”

    He congratulated him on the successful completion of his tour of duty in Kenya.

    Mudavadi described his dedication, professionalism, and personal warmth as critical in strengthening the longstanding bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

    “I would like to place on record my profound appreciation for your pivotal role in advancing Kenya–Austria relations over the past nine years. Your leadership has helped deepen our bilateral partnership and align our shared priorities in trade, sustainable development, labour mobility, education and peace and security,” Mudavadi said.

    Mudavadi also bid farewell to H.E. Henriette Geiger, Ambassador of EU Delegation whose tour of duty comes to an end on 31st July 2026.

    “I appreciate having worked closely with Ambassador Geiger to operationalize the EU-Kenya Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), a comprehensive 10-year framework designed to help exporters, manufacturers, farmers and investors overcome market access challenges while improving Kenya’s competitiveness in one of the world’s largest consumer markets.” he noted.

    Mudavadi said the year 2026 marks the golden jubilee of Kenya–EU relations, commemorating five decades of collaboration since the opening of the EU Delegation in Nairobi in 1976.

    “Kenya appreciates having maintained the warm and multifaceted bilateral relations anchored in trade, development cooperation, governance, climate action, and regional security.” He said.

    ENDS

  • Kenya-US sign five-year Health Cooperation Framework

    Kenya-US sign five-year Health Cooperation Framework

    Kenya and the United States have signed a five year Strategic Objective Grant Agreement (SOAG), formally launching the two countries Health Cooperation Framework.

    Welcoming the news, the Health Ministry said the agreement will provide a structured framework for our health partnership, aligning U.S. investments with Kenya’s national health priorities while setting clear objectives, funding commitments and accountability measures.

    Present during the signing of the deal, Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale noted that it marked the culmination of months of technical engagements aimed at strengthening local health systems, resilient supply chains and institutional capacity.

    Through an investment of approximately USD 1.6 billion over the next five years, the Framework will support key priorities including the strengthening of KEMSA, malaria, HIV and Tuberculosis programmes, digital health transformation, health systems strengthening and expanded access to quality healthcare services.

    CS Duale reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to a government-to-government cooperation model anchored on national ownership, transparency, accountability and value for money.

    “This partnership demonstrates the enduring ties between Kenya and the United States and advances our shared goal of achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC) through the Taifa Care model while building a resilient and sustainable health system for all Kenyans,” said CS Duale

    He was joined by the Principal Secretaries Dr. Ouma Oluga of Medical Services; Ms. Mary Muthoni of Public Health and Professional Standards; the Chief Executive Officers Dr. Mercy Mwangangi (Social Health Authority); Eng. Anthony Lenayara (Digital Health Agency); National AIDS and STIs Control Programme (NASCOP), Dr. Andrew Mulwa; DPH-K Chairperson Brian Rettman; and other distinguished government officials

  • Delayed capitation disbursements leave universities, TVETs struggling, MPs told

    Delayed capitation disbursements leave universities, TVETs struggling, MPs told

    The Ministry of Education has admitted that years of delayed and inadequate disbursement of capitation funds have severely strained universities, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions and teacher training colleges, forcing many institutions into financial distress, stalling infrastructure projects and contributing to declining student enrollment.

    Appearing before the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education (PIC-G&E), Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba acknowledged that persistent funding shortfalls have remained the biggest challenge facing tertiary education, even as he assured MPs that sweeping legal and policy reforms are being rolled out to address the long-standing crisis.

    The CS, accompanied by Higher Education Principal Secretary Dr Beatrice Inyangala, TVET Principal Secretary Dr Esther Thaara Muoria, Universities Fund Acting Chief Executive Officer Dr Edwin Wanyonyi and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Chief Executive Geoffrey Monari, was responding to Auditor-General’s reports covering the 2018/19 to 2024/25 financial years.

    The audit reports had flagged persistent delays in capitation disbursement, stalled projects, weak financial management, declining enrolment in TVET institutions, unaccounted equipment supplied to colleges and growing financial instability across universities.

    Committee members painted a grim picture of institutions grappling with shrinking student numbers, unpaid bills, stalled construction projects and mounting audit queries.

    Kilome MP Thaddeus Nzambia said enrolment in several TVET institutions had dropped dramatically, with some colleges falling from about 800 students to barely 300, while others had declined from more than 700 learners to about 200.

    “The principals consistently point to delayed capitation as the major reason students are dropping out. This was a good programme meant to equip young people with technical skills, but the current trend is worrying,” he said.

    Embakasi West MP Mark Mwenje questioned why institutions continued to report funding shortages despite government assurances that capitation had been disbursed.

    He also raised concerns over a Ksh 28 billion funding gap in universities, saying many students were increasingly relying on Constituency Development Fund bursaries and HELB loans to remain in school.

    “Students are under immense pressure, especially when examinations approach. Universities require predictable funding instead of leaving students to depend on bursaries that cannot adequately meet tuition costs,” he said.

    Responding to the concerns, Mr Ogamba admitted that the ministry has consistently received less money than it budgets for, resulting in annual funding deficits.

    Using TVET allocations as an example, he said although institutions were budgeted to receive billions of shillings annually, the Exchequer frequently released substantially lower amounts, leaving institutions unable to meet operational costs.

    “The challenge has been that whatever amount we request because of financial constraints, we do not receive the full allocation. That creates annual deficits, except in the 2025/26 financial year where TVET capitation was fully disbursed as budgeted,” said the CS.

    He said the government was addressing the structural funding problem through the proposed Tertiary Education Funding Bill, 2025, which seeks to establish a more sustainable financing framework by consolidating various education funding streams into a single pool for equitable distribution.

    “We are preparing legislation that will fundamentally reform tertiary education financing. We want a system where all available education funds are pooled together and distributed efficiently to support learners and institutions sustainably,” he said.

    Mr Ogamba said the government was also expanding the student-centred funding model under which financial support follows the learner rather than institutions.

    The CS acknowledged that many students eligible for government scholarships and loans were failing to benefit because they were unaware of the application process.

    To bridge that gap, he said the ministry had deployed sensitisation teams across the country and stationed officers at Huduma Centres to help students apply for scholarships and HELB support.

    “Every student admitted to our tertiary institutions is entitled to government support. The problem is that many do not know how to apply, and we are intensifying public awareness,” he said.

    The committee also expressed concern over the growing number of stalled infrastructure projects in universities and TVET institutions.

    Lunga Lunga MP Chiforomodo Mangale Munga questioned why institutions continued launching new projects while older ones remained incomplete despite consuming billions of shillings.

    Kasipul MP Boyd Were cited Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University, where several projects worth more than Sh3 billion had stalled for years, raising questions over value for money.

    Committee chairman Dick Maungu urged the ministry to enforce stricter controls to ensure institutions completed ongoing projects before initiating new ones.

    In response, Mr Ogamba said the ministry had already adopted a policy prohibiting institutions from commencing new development projects before completing existing ones.

    He disclosed that ongoing audits had identified projects nearing completion, which would be prioritised for funding to maximise returns on investments already made.

    “We have made it a policy that no new projects should commence before existing ones are completed. Universities have been directed to prioritise projects that are 85 or 95 per cent complete before embarking on new developments,” he said.

    He added that stalled projects caused by non-performing contractors would be terminated after legal review, with recovery proceedings initiated against contractors who had received public funds without completing works.

    The CS cited the stalled Chepararia Technical Training Institute automotive engineering workshop, where Ksh 26 million had already been paid to a contractor, saying legal processes were underway to terminate the contract and recover the money.

    On the financial health of universities, Mr Ogamba revealed that when the current administration assumed office, 23 public universities were technically insolvent.

    He attributed recent improvements to the new funding model, saying the number of financially distressed universities had reduced to 11.

    “We found 23 universities in the red. Through reforms and timely funding, we have reduced that number to 11, and we are working towards restoring all universities to financial stability,” he said.

    The ministry, he added, had directed universities to audit their assets and liabilities with a view to commercialising idle land and other assets to generate additional revenue.

    Mr Ogamba encouraged universities and TVET institutions to embrace income-generating ventures instead of relying exclusively on government funding.

    He said several institutions had already begun commercialising training facilities by partnering with industries.

    He cited Rift Valley Technical Training Institute and Kabete National Polytechnic, where students were participating in production work through partnerships with industry, including manufacturing windows and doors for the government’s Affordable Housing Programme.

    “We want our workshops to become production centres where students gain practical experience while institutions generate income to supplement government funding,” he said.

    The committee also raised concerns over expensive training equipment lying idle in some institutions while others lacked similar facilities.

    Chairman Dick Maungu said the committee had discovered colleges storing hundreds of unused sewing machines while neighbouring institutions struggled with acute equipment shortages.

    The Auditor-General’s reports further questioned why millions of shillings worth of government-supplied equipment had not been captured in institutional asset registers.

    Mr Ogamba admitted weaknesses in documentation and said the ministry had initiated a nationwide audit of all TVET equipment.

    The exercise, he said, would establish the value of equipment supplied, ensure institutions formally register the assets and facilitate redistribution of underutilised equipment to colleges where demand exists.

    “We need to rationalise these assets. Public equipment should serve students wherever the need exists rather than remain locked away in stores,” he said.

    Members also questioned deductions made by TVET institutions to the Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI), which auditors had described as irregular.

    The CS said although KATTI was legally registered, the ministry was considering bringing its financial audits under the Office of the Auditor-General to enhance transparency and accountability.

    On concerns over declining TVET enrolment, Mr Ogamba linked the trend partly to funding challenges but expressed confidence that reforms, expanded scholarships, modular training programmes and stronger industry partnerships would reverse the decline.

    The Committee also sought clarification on reports that government had reduced capitation for senior schools from Ksh 22,244 to Ksh 14,000 per learner.

    Mr Ogamba dismissed the claims, maintaining that government policy had not changed.

    “The capitation for senior schools remains Ksh 22,244 per student. It has not been reduced to Ksh 14,000. Our objective is to progressively ensure institutions receive the full amount provided for under government policy,” he said.

  • China develops zero-emission drone for high-altitude environmental research

    China develops zero-emission drone for high-altitude environmental research

    Chinese researchers have unveiled a new all-electric hybrid drone capable of flying at altitudes exceeding 8,800 metres. This was reported by Science and Technology Daily, a partner of TV BRICS.

    This achievement opens up new possibilities for scientific research under extreme conditions known by experts as the “impossible triangle”: extremely low air pressure, extreme temperatures and intense turbulence.

    This breakthrough is attributable to the drone’s unique design. Unlike traditional multi-rotor systems, which disturb airflow, and petrol engines, which emit exhaust fumes that interfere with measurements, this new drone utilises a zero-emission electric hybrid power system. Its fixed-wing cruise flight minimises air disturbance, while a sampling port at the nose allows samples to be collected from undisturbed natural air currents.

    The device has already been put to practical use during an expedition to high-altitude regions. Previously, researchers had only been able to measure end-point results. On this occasion, within 20 minutes, scientists were able to capture the entire process of glacial winds – from their initiation to their propagation – and also identified the areas affected by these winds. The drone collected data on the vertical distribution of pollutants and the impact of glacial winds on the structure of the atmospheric boundary layer.

    As pointed out by Ye Chunxiang, a PhD supervisor at Peking University’s School of Environmental Science and Engineering, the drone effectively “transports” a ground-based laboratory to high altitudes, opening up a new paradigm for three-dimensional atmospheric monitoring.

    The achievement resolves the long-standing challenge of obtaining samples at altitudes above 8,000 metres, a feat that had previously proved difficult for weather balloons, manned aircraft and conventional drones. The new technology will facilitate systematic research into high-altitude ecosystems and improve climate models for one of the most remote regions on Earth.

    Courtesy/Science and Technology Daily & TV BRICS

  • Agricultural technologies of future: automation of agriculture in Global South

    Agricultural technologies of future: automation of agriculture in Global South

    Agriculture is becoming one of the key areas of technological transformation in the Global South. Population growth, climate change, limited natural resources and the need to improve production efficiency are accelerating the adoption of digital technologies, artificial intelligence and automated systems. These technologies help to increase crop yields, use resources more efficiently and improve the management of agricultural production.

    In June 2026, India hosted a meeting of BRICS agriculture ministers – one of the key international forums for discussing the future architecture of the global food system. The agenda included issues such as food security, climate-resilient agriculture, digital farming, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotisation and technological innovation in the agricultural sector.

    According to the Indian government, the BRICS countries account for around 42 per cent of the world’s agricultural land. Against this backdrop, digitalisation is ceasing to be merely an element of piecemeal modernisation and is becoming a driving force behind the transformation of the global food market.

    However, the transition to a new model of agricultural production is driven not only by technological ambitions but also by growing structural pressures on traditional agriculture. Population growth is increasing the strain on food systems, while the potential for extensive expansion of production is limited by shortages of water, land and production resources.

    Climate change is an additional factor. The increasing frequency of droughts, floods and temperature anomalies makes crop yields less predictable and heightens the volatility of agricultural markets. In many regions, extreme weather events are occurring more frequently, requiring new approaches to agricultural management.

    Taken together, these processes are creating a gap between the physical capabilities of traditional agriculture and the structure of global demand. Traditional development models are gradually being supplemented by technological solutions that enable more efficient use of available resources. In this context, technological transformation is becoming not merely a tool for modernisation but one of the key conditions for maintaining food security.

    Digitalisation as the infrastructure of the agricultural economy

    Digitalisation forms the basic infrastructural layer of the agricultural sector’s transformation, in which data becomes a production resource in its own right. Information on soil, climate, humidity, crop yields and logistics forms the basis for decision-making. As a result, agriculture is gradually shifting from an empirical model to a management system based on analytics and forecasting. Digital services and analytics are becoming an important component of value creation alongside traditional production.

    As noted by Mikhail Khachaturyan, PhD in Economics, Associate Professor of the Department of Strategic and Innovative Development of Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation, digitalisation is gradually changing the very structure of value creation in the agricultural sector.

    “Internet of Things (IoT) systems and sensors enable more precise control over the use of water and fertilisers, which reduces costs and increases yields. This boosts added value through more efficient use of resources,” he stated.

    According to Khachaturyan, digital platforms are also transforming logistics and the financial infrastructure of agriculture.

    The national strategies of leading BRICS countries include the development of digital agricultural infrastructure as a component of economic and food security. China’s smart agriculture development plan, running until 2028, provides for the creation of a national big data platform, a unified map of agricultural land and the development of basic AI models with independent intellectual property rights. This is shaping a centralised system for the digital management of the agricultural sector.

    As part of its Digital Agriculture Mission, India is developing the AgriStack platform – a system comprising digital farmer identifiers, digital land records and geospatial monitoring of agriculture. Government documents state that the system is intended to integrate data on land, crop yields, credit and insurance into a single digital architecture for the agricultural sector.

    At the same time, the BRICS countries are integrating digital tools into their agricultural insurance and risk management mechanisms. In India, government programmes are using satellite data, drones and remote sensing technologies to assess damage, monitor crop conditions and speed up insurance payouts. As a result, digital infrastructure is gradually evolving from a supporting element into a systemic foundation of the agricultural economy.

    Automation as a transition to algorithmic management

    While digital infrastructure enables the collection and integration of information, automated systems are beginning to use it to coordinate production processes in real time. Algorithms help to optimise resource allocation, forecast crop yields, account for climatic risks and improve the effectiveness of production decisions.

    Precision farming technologies are shifting agriculture from a reactive model to a system of continuous monitoring and forecasting. Drones, sensors and satellite systems enable the targeted application of fertilisers and allow for the monitoring of soil conditions and the rapid identification of potential threats, thereby reducing costs and minimising the environmental impact.

    “The robotisation and automation of agricultural processes reduce labour costs and minimise the likelihood of errors, thereby increasing producers’ net profits,” emphasises Khachaturyan.
    A practical example of such a transformation is the experience of the People’s Republic of China, where driverless tractors and combine harvesters are being introduced, along with digital platforms for the remote control of agricultural machinery for small-scale farms. Automation is used not only to boost productivity but also to compensate for structural labour shortages and improve the manageability of agricultural production.

    South Africa is implementing a model of pilot implementation of agricultural technologies, followed by scaling up. The South African Department of Science, Technology and Innovation (DSTI), in collaboration with the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), is funding the SASSAM (South African System of Systems for Agricultural Modernisation) project – a digital platform that uses AI to analyse soil conditions, forecast weather conditions and detect pests. The project’s pilot launch took place in February 2025 in the Eastern Cape Province, covering 50 farms, and over the next three years the system is set to be adapted for various types of crops across the country.

    The UAE is developing a model of automated vertical farming, in which algorithms for controlling the microclimate and water supply enable water savings of up to 95 per cent compared with traditional agriculture. Such systems serve as an example of how automation can compensate for natural constraints and a shortage of suitable agricultural land.

    Eloisa Cristina Silva Fernandes, an expert on Brazil’s industrial landscape, the energy transition and sustainable development, an expert at the BRICS Youth Energy Agency, describes this process: “Automation and precision farming technologies have transformed the agricultural sector and the way food is processed and distributed. In the BRICS countries and the Global South, given the specific geographical challenges – water scarcity, the worsening climate crisis and a shrinking labour force – technological innovations such as the Internet of Things, artificial intelligence, robotics and Agri-Industry 4.0 are boosting the productivity and sustainability of agricultural systems, meeting the growing needs of these countries and ensuring the efficiency of large-scale food production processes.”

    Automation is gradually transforming not only production but also the agricultural sector’s logistics infrastructure. Algorithms optimise delivery routes, forecast demand and manage warehouse stocks, reducing food losses during storage and transport.

    As automation deepens, the role of the farmer is also changing. From being an independent producer making decisions based on their own experience, they are gradually becoming a participant in a platform-based ecosystem, where a significant proportion of production processes is coordinated by digital systems. As a result, the agricultural sector is becoming increasingly integrated into an algorithmic management infrastructure, where competitiveness begins to depend not only on resources and crop yields but also on the level of technological integration.

    The Financial Infrastructure of Agricultural Automation

    The financial system is gradually being integrated into the agricultural sector’s digital infrastructure. Whereas access to capital used to be determined primarily by traditional indicators – farm size, collateral, and credit history – data and the level of technological integration are now becoming key factors as digitalisation progresses.

    Lending is increasingly based on digital farm profiles generated using satellite monitoring, sensor systems and algorithmic risk assessment models. Financial institutions are now able to analyse not only a borrower’s financial position but also agricultural production parameters in near real time, which speeds up decision-making and reduces uncertainty.

    Parametric insurance models, under which insurance payouts are triggered automatically upon the occurrence of pre-defined climatic conditions – such as droughts, floods or temperature anomalies – help to reduce administrative costs and speed up the compensation process. As a result, digital tools are becoming one of the factors taken into account when assessing farms.

    “Big data analysis helps to make more informed decisions, improving farm management and demand forecasting. This enables farmers to adapt to market changes and optimise their production processes,” notes Khachaturyan.

    The institutional framework for this transformation is provided by the New Development Bank (NDB), established by the BRICS countries in 2014 to mobilise resources for infrastructure and sustainable projects in the Global South. Digital infrastructure, sustainable agriculture and the modernisation of production systems are among the priority areas in the NDB’s strategy. The bank is building a portfolio of projects focused on climate resilience, the development of agricultural logistics, the modernisation of supply chains and the introduction of digital platforms.

    Support for technology-driven infrastructure projects reinforces the Bank’s role as one of the key financial mechanisms for the transformation of the agricultural sector within the BRICS region and the Global South.

    Models of digital transformation in agriculture in BRICS countries

    Various models of digital transformation in agriculture are emerging within BRICS, differing in the degree of state involvement, the role of private capital and approaches to technological sovereignty. These models fit logically into the agenda of the ministerial meeting in India, where digital farming and artificial intelligence have been identified as key topics for discussion.

    The state-centralised model is being implemented most consistently in the People’s Republic of China. A key element here is control over data and algorithms governing agricultural production. As part of the national strategy, a unified agricultural data platform, agricultural land monitoring systems and national AI solutions for the agricultural sector are being developed. As a result, digitalisation is becoming part of a broader strategy for technological sovereignty, with the state playing a coordinating role in the development of digital infrastructure.

    India is developing an inclusive, platform-based model of digital transformation, tailored to the structure of its agricultural sector, which is dominated by smallholder farms. In contrast to China’s centralised approach, India’s strategy focuses on connecting farmers on a large scale to digital services, financial instruments and market infrastructure. Here, digitalisation serves as a mechanism for integrating millions of small-scale producers into a single economic system.

    “The high proportion of irrigated land allows for the effective implementation of water management systems using the IoT and sensors. This model has great potential for scaling up through national programmes to improve irrigation and reduce water costs,” emphasised Khachaturyan.

    Brazil is developing a market-orientated model of agrotechnological development based on collaboration between the state, academia and the private sector. The state-owned corporation Embrapa reports that there are more than two thousand agrotechnology companies operating in the country, 83 per cent of which use digital solutions and artificial intelligence to improve production efficiency. This model demonstrates an alternative approach, whereby the state creates the conditions for an innovative environment to flourish but does not place digital infrastructure under direct centralised control.

    South Africa is adopting a research-led approach to the digitalisation of the agricultural sector, drawing on state-run research institutes and the phased roll-out of technological solutions.
    A hybrid model is taking shape in Russia, where the digital transformation of the agro-industrial complex relies on state centralisation and a focus on developing its own digital solutions. On the instructions of the Prime Minister, a unified digital platform for the agro-industrial complex, utilising artificial intelligence technology, will be established in Russia by the end of 2026. At the same time, the government has approved a mechanism to reimburse up to 50 per cent of the costs of comprehensive scientific and technical projects covering plant breeding, software and the procurement of high-tech equipment.

    Beyond these models lies a wide range of national strategies. Some countries are adapting the approaches described to their economic structure, whilst others are developing hybrid solutions at the intersection of state regulation and market mechanisms.

    “The common features of the most sustainable models include the use of artificial intelligence, unmanned technologies for monitoring and managing resources, digital platforms to improve logistics and supply chain management, as well as government support and the development of national digitalisation strategies,” emphasised Khachaturyan.

    The spectrum of BRICS+ models

    The expansion of BRICS to include countries with fundamentally different agricultural systems demonstrates the diversity of approaches to the digital transformation of agriculture. Parallel models are emerging, differing in terms of the role of the state, the structure of investment and the degree of technological autonomy.

    The UAE is developing a capital-intensive model in which technological solutions compensate for natural constraints through large-scale state investment. The country has integrated agrotechnological development into its food security strategy, with an emphasis on improving water use efficiency.

    Ethiopia is formulating a strategy for the digital transformation of agriculture, based on international partnerships and the mobilisation of state resources to create basic digital infrastructure for the agricultural sector. This is a “strategic leap” model, in which technological solutions are implemented on top of the existing agricultural system with a view to achieving long-term institutional and productive growth.

    Indonesia is building an industrial and technological model of digitalisation, supported by government programmes. The Indonesian Ministry of Communications and Digital Technology supports national food security through the “Digital Farmer” programme, which aims to transform agriculture using IoT and artificial intelligence technologies. A key element is local technological solutions developed by national start-ups, including precision farming systems that help reduce carbon dioxide emissions and minimise water pollution caused by excessive use of fertilisers. At the same time, the government has allocated US$554.4 million to the development of AI, drones and sensor systems to improve the efficiency of the agricultural sector, reports ANTARA. As a result, a model is emerging in which technological development is linked not only to the import of solutions but also to the establishment of elements of technological sovereignty.

    Iran is developing a model of technological autonomy by creating its own AI solutions for agriculture. For instance, Iranian scientists have developed an artificial intelligence system for monitoring agricultural land, which enables the condition of crops to be tracked and yields to be forecast on the basis of remote sensing.

    Egypt is implementing a comprehensive model for the digital transformation of agriculture. The National Authority for Remote Sensing and Space Sciences (NARSS) provides the scientific and technological basis for monitoring agricultural land and introducing analytical tools into the agricultural sector.

    Abed Amiri, a representative of the BRICS Hub and an expert in economic and technological cooperation within the BRICS framework, highlights several key areas of technological cooperation within the group.

    “The exchange of agricultural data, the development of joint artificial intelligence models, systems for forecasting crop yields and plant diseases, Internet of Things technologies, agricultural drones and secure platforms for supply chain management. These areas have a direct impact on the efficiency, quality and speed of decision-making and can also narrow the technological gap between BRICS member states,” he said.

    Agritech beyond BRICS+: The Global South

    The technological transformation of agriculture is not limited to the BRICS+ countries. Similar processes are unfolding in other countries of the Global South, where digital solutions are providing a response to structural challenges.

    The technological transformation of agriculture is not confined to the BRICS+ countries. Similar processes are unfolding in other countries of the Global South, where digital solutions are providing a response to structural challenges.

    In Kenya, the development of the digital agricultural sector is centred on government platforms that use satellite data and ground-based sensors for agricultural monitoring and to support farmers’ decision-making. The Ministry of Agriculture is implementing the Kenya Agricultural Observatory Platform (KOAP), which uses satellite data and ground-based sensors to provide farmers with information on weather, soil conditions and optimal sowing times.

    Vietnam is implementing the National Digital Transformation Programme, which aims to develop high-tech agriculture towards smart and precision farming; increase the share of digital agriculture in the economy; create large-scale sectoral data systems on land, agricultural crops, livestock and aquaculture; as well as create a network of integrated aerial and ground-based observation and monitoring systems for agricultural activities.

    Uganda is implementing a programme for the digital transformation of agriculture, as set out in the official strategy E-Governance in Uganda-2025. A key element is the digital e-Voucher System platform, which uses mobile applications to subsidise farmers’ access to high-quality seeds and fertilisers. In parallel, the National Agricultural Information System (NAIS) is being developed – a digital ecosystem comprising modules for crop monitoring, yield forecasting and food security assessment.

    Nigeria is applying its National Digital Agriculture Strategy, which provides for the roll-out of digital platforms to give farmers access to markets, weather data and financial services.

    Eloisa Cristina Silva Fernandes, an expert at the BRICS Youth Energy Agency, describes this transition from a historical perspective: “Whilst innovations such as mechanisation and the use of chemical fertilisers initially permeated the primary sector in the 1960s and 1970s, in the current context we are experiencing a new kind of transformation – now with Agri-Industry 4.0, a set of technological innovations based on data, automation and connectivity.”
    In her view, “the emergence of these new technological cycles and the adoption of digital technologies are reshaping the national production structures of countries, particularly in the Global South.”

    She emphasises, however, that the strategic elements of these transnational value chains – the growing demand for critical minerals needed to produce new technologies and the need for a highly skilled workforce – require particular attention to be paid to the architecture of environmentally sustainable green industrialisation.

    Algorithms and the financial transformation of the agricultural sector

    As agriculture becomes increasingly digitalised, algorithms are beginning to play an ever more significant role not only in production management but also in the financial infrastructure of the agricultural sector. Yield estimation, resource allocation, credit decisions and risk management are increasingly reliant on the processing of digital data from satellite monitoring systems, sensors and digital platforms.

    The financial infrastructure of agriculture within BRICS is gradually being integrated into a single data system. Lending, insurance and the assessment of farms’ creditworthiness are becoming increasingly dependent on producers’ digital profiles and algorithmic data processing.

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is developing a platform designed to accelerate lending to rural and low-income borrowers through standardised access to digital data. The platform’s digital infrastructure utilises both financial and non-financial data, including digital land records, geospatial services and satellite data, which are necessary for assessing borrowers and expanding access to finance in the agricultural sector.

    As a result, agricultural technologies within BRICS are shifting from the category of sectoral innovations to the infrastructure layer of the agricultural economy. Algorithms and digital platforms are becoming an integral part of the agricultural finance and production system, while access to capital is increasingly determined by the level of digital integration of farms.

    “Online platforms for trading agricultural produce improve coordination between producers, processors and distributors. This reduces logistics costs and improves access to markets, thereby increasing added value,” emphasised Khachaturyan.

    Competitiveness is increasingly determined by a combination of traditional factors – land and production resources – and the level of adoption of digital technologies, analytical services and modern management methods. In this context, technological architecture is gradually becoming one of the key elements of the agricultural sector’s economic sovereignty.

    The new hierarchy of the global agricultural sector

    The global agricultural market is taking on a new structure in which competitiveness is increasingly determined not only by land resources and production volumes, but also by the level of development of digital technologies, analytical systems and data infrastructure. This trend was reflected in the agenda of the BRICS ministerial meeting in Indore, where digital agriculture and precision farming technologies were identified as key areas of cooperation.

    In this context, three models of countries’ participation in the digital transformation of the agricultural sector can be identified. The first comprises countries developing their own digital platforms, algorithms and technological solutions for agricultural management.

    According to Mikhail Khachaturyan, technological modernisation accounts for the lion’s share of added value, as it controls not only production but also the decision-making infrastructure.
    “Technological leadership can compensate for shortcomings in natural potential. For example, countries with limited land resources can become exporters of high-margin products (such as vegetables grown in vertical farms), while countries with vast tracts of land but lacking innovation will specialise in low-margin crops,” the expert noted.

    The second group comprises countries that are actively implementing modern digital solutions and adapting them to the specific characteristics of their national agriculture. This approach helps to accelerate the modernisation of the sector, boost productivity and lay the foundations for the further development of their own technological capabilities.

    The third group comprises countries where the digitalisation of the agricultural sector is in its early stages. For these countries, the priority is to develop basic digital infrastructure, expand access to modern technologies and train specialists capable of working with new agricultural management tools.

    Thus, a country’s position within the global agricultural system is increasingly determined by a combination of natural resources, the level of technological development and the ability to make effective use of digital tools to enhance the sustainability and productivity of agriculture.

    Automation is becoming one of the key factors in the long-term competitiveness of the agricultural sector. The development of digital platforms, cloud services, data analytics systems and artificial intelligence opens up new opportunities to improve production efficiency, optimise logistics and make more rational use of natural resources.

    As Abed Amiri notes, the development of domestic technological capabilities and the expansion of international cooperation play an important role in this process.

    “The development of their own digital platforms, AI-based solutions and agrotechnological ecosystems could elevate the role of the BRICS countries from raw material exporters to technologically influential players in the global food system,” said Amiri.

    In his view, “if the BRICS countries are able to develop their own platforms in these areas, this will not only boost agricultural productivity but also strengthen their ability to make independent decisions.”

    At the same time, the further development of digital agriculture will require an expansion of international knowledge-sharing, joint technology development and the creation of an open digital infrastructure that takes into account the specific characteristics of various national agricultural systems. It is precisely this combination of innovation, partnership and the exchange of experience that could become one of the key conditions for the sustainable development of agriculture in the countries of the Global South.

    Courtesy/ TV BRICS

  • Mombasa BMU leaders get training to boost blue economy

    Mombasa BMU leaders get training to boost blue economy

    Beach Management Unit (BMU) leaders in Mombasa have received fresh training aimed at strengthening fisheries governance and promoting sustainable management of marine resources as part of efforts to advance Kenya’s Blue Economy.

    The capacity-building workshop, organized by the Kenya Fisheries Service (KeFS) in partnership with Community Action for Nature Conservation (CANACO), brought together BMU officials from across Mombasa County for training on fisheries laws, leadership, advocacy and sustainable resource management.

    Speaking during the workshop in Utange, Assistant Director of Fisheries Benedict Keilu said empowering BMU leaders with legal and governance knowledge is essential in protecting fisheries resources while improving the livelihoods of coastal fishing communities.

    Keilu said the training helps BMU officials better understand their legal mandate, the responsibilities of government institutions and the role of private sector players in supporting sustainable fisheries management.

    “The capacity-building forum gives participants an opportunity to understand their responsibilities, the government’s obligations towards them, and the role of the private sector in supporting the fisheries sector,” he said.

    He noted that the Kenya Fisheries Service continues to promote compliance with fisheries regulations through close collaboration with coastal communities, describing the approach as key to ensuring sustainable exploitation of marine resources.

    “We are building the sector together by promoting fisheries compliance for sustainability and demonstrating how beneficial the Blue Economy can be if all stakeholders work together in harmony and collaboration,” Keilu added.

    He also highlighted ongoing government investment in fisheries infrastructure, citing the development of the Kidongo Fish Landing Site as one of the projects aimed at improving working conditions and boosting productivity within the sector.

    Representing CANACO, Doreen Simiyu said the organization is complementing government efforts by strengthening the advocacy, leadership and fisheries enforcement skills of BMU officials.

    She said the training is intended to equip BMU leaders with the capacity to effectively represent fishing communities while ensuring proper implementation of fisheries laws.

    “One of the core functions of Beach Management Units is advocacy. We are here to support their leaders so they can perform that mandate more effectively,” Simiyu said.

    She emphasized that effective fisheries governance must be grounded in a clear understanding of the law and revealed that participants would develop action plans to guide implementation of the knowledge acquired during the training.

    BMU leaders welcomed the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that will enhance community participation in fisheries management.

    Mombasa BMU Assistant Chairman Alex Ria Ngarawi said the workshop would strengthen the capacity of BMUs to sustainably manage fisheries resources while improving the livelihoods of fishing communities.

    He, however, appealed to the government to issue title deeds for fish landing sites to safeguard community investments and secure the future of the fisheries sector.

    “We appreciate this training because it will improve our capacity to serve our communities and urge the government to provide title deeds for our landing sites,” Ngarawi said.

    His sentiments were echoed by Said Ali Said, who called for increased government funding to enable BMUs to effectively carry out their expanding responsibilities.

    He also urged the government to harmonize fisheries and wildlife legislation, arguing that inconsistencies between the two legal frameworks frequently result in lengthy court cases that disadvantage fishing communities.

    Said further appealed to Cabinet Secretary for Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs Ali Hassan Joho to appoint officials with a strong understanding of fisheries legislation to spearhead reforms aimed at addressing legal contradictions affecting the sector.

  • EACC, DPP unveil joint strategy to strengthen corruption investigations and prosecutions

    EACC, DPP unveil joint strategy to strengthen corruption investigations and prosecutions

    The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) and the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) have agreed to strengthen their collaboration in investigating and prosecuting corruption and money laundering cases.

    The latest move signifies a renewed commitment to improving case outcomes and enhancing accountability.

    The commitment was made during a high-level strategic meeting at the Kenya School of Government that brought together EACC Chairperson Dr David Oginde, Director of Public Prosecutions Renson Ingonga, EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud, along with commissioners and senior officials from both organisations.

    The meeting focused on reviewing the existing partnership between the agencies, evaluating challenges impacting corruption and money laundering cases, and adopting measures to improve coordination between investigators and prosecutors.

    Speaking during the meeting, Dr Oginde described corruption as one of Kenya’s most significant development challenges, saying it continues to erode public confidence in institutions and undermine service delivery.

    He emphasised that closer collaboration between investigators and prosecutors would bolster the criminal justice process and enhance the country’s response to corruption and financial crimes.

    EACC Chief Executive Officer Abdi Mohamud stated that collaboration among justice sector institutions is both a constitutional obligation and a practical necessity.

    He noted that the public expects tangible results, not institutional distinctions, adding that successful investigations, prosecutions, and the recovery of assets acquired through corruption are the benchmarks by which justice is measured.

    DPP Renson Ingonga remarked that the engagement would help improve the quality of investigations and prosecutions. He noted that both institutions share the responsibility of protecting public resources, safeguarding public interest, and upholding the rule of law.

    Among the resolutions reached were the introduction of joint capacity-building programmes for investigators and prosecutors, enhanced collaboration during case review processes, and greater focus on high-impact corruption and money laundering cases.

    The two institutions said they would continue strengthening inter-agency cooperation to improve the administration of justice, enhance accountability and support the recovery of public assets linked to corruption.

  • Kering, Njerae, Bridgit, Bien land AFRIMMA nominations

    Kering, Njerae, Bridgit, Bien land AFRIMMA nominations

    Kenyan artists Nikita Kering, Njerae, Bridgit Blue and Bien have secured nominations for the 2026 African Muzik Magazine Awards (AFRIMMA) set to take place in Dallas, Texas on September 12.

    Kering, Njerae and Bridgit Blue have been nominated in the Best Female East Africa category, where they will compete against Tanzania’s Abigail Chams and Zuchu, Ethiopia’s Veronica Adane and Salemia, Rwanda’s Ariel Wayz, and Uganda’s Winnie Mwagi.

    In the Best Male East Africa category, Bien is the only Kenyan nominee. He is up against Tanzania’s Diamond Platnumz, Barnaba, Juma Jux, Marioo and Mbosso, Ethiopia’s Lij Michael, South Sudan’s Single Dee, and Uganda’s Joshua Baraka and Eddy Kenzo.

    Ahead of the award ceremony, organisers have announced that voting for this year’s awards is now open, giving fans across Africa and the diaspora the opportunity to support their favourite nominees.

    Founded in 2014, AFRIMMA honours excellence in African music by recognising artists from across the continent and the diaspora.

    This year’s edition also expands beyond the awards into the AFRIMMA Music Fest, a live celebration of African music and culture featuring performances, fashion, food, cultural exhibitions and fan experiences before culminating in the awards ceremony.

  • Kenyan filmmakers have until 5 pm on Tuesday to shape proposed East African film treaty

    Kenyan filmmakers have until 5 pm on Tuesday to shape proposed East African film treaty

    The Kenya Film Commission (KFC) has shared a draft East Africa Co-Production treaty, asking stakeholders to share their feedback.

    However, Kenyan filmmakers, producers, actors, writers and other creatives have until 5 pm today, Tuesday, July 14, to submit their views and help reshape how films are financed, produced and distributed across the region.

    Additionally, members of the public are also encouraged to offer their feedback on the treaty and its accompanying protocol.

    “These draft instruments are designed to strengthen regional collaboration, facilitate official co-productions, promote East African stories, improve access to financing and markets, harmonise policies, protect intellectual property, and support the growth of a competitive regional film industry,” the commission said.

    If adopted by EAC Partner States, the treaty would establish a common framework for cross-border film and audiovisual productions, making it easier for producers from different countries to collaborate on projects.

    According to the proposal shared by the commission on their social media platforms, the proposal also outlines “measures to improve access to grants, tax incentives and regional financing, strengthen copyright and anti-piracy protections, simplify the movement of cast, crew and production equipment across borders, and encourage greater investment in training, research and preservation of East Africa’s audiovisual heritage.”

    The draft further proposes common standards on “labour practices, child protection, data privacy and ethical production, while seeking to reduce regulatory barriers that currently affect regional productions.”

    The draft treaty is available through the Kenya Film Commission’s social media and website. Those hoping to submit feedback are required to do so via email.