Pomp and Colour as Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET) Launches its Strategic Plan

It was pomp and colour as ASNET launched the first Strategic Plan 2021- 2024 at Crown Plaza Hotel, Nairobi. The Strategic Plan will guide ASNET towards accomplishing its mandate in realizing its aspirations through partnerships to contribute to the revolution and transformation of the agriculture sector. The event was officiated by Dr. Kevit Desai, Principal Secretary in the State Department of East African Community (EAC), Prof. Micheni Ntiba, Principal Secretary in the State Department for Fisheries, Aquaculture and the Blue Economy and Harry Kimtai, Principal Secretary in the State Department of Livestock. Others who graced the event included Government officials, development partners, businesses, and associations in the agriculture sector.

Speaking at the launch, ASNET Chairman Dr. Bimal Kantaria thanked the development partners, businesses, and associations for their technical and financial support in the process of developing the strategic plan. The plan is a culmination of the seed planted during the ASNET Summit held on the 26th and 27th February, 2020 at Safari Park, Hotel. He said the strategic plan is anchored on best practices in organizing and coordinating private sector actors both regionally and globally. It will be implemented through annual work plans that will track progress and will be regularly reviewed to respond to emerging opportunities.

The five strategic issues at the center of the ASNET’s strategic plan are:

  1. Mainstream the agriculture related Policy, legal, regulatory and institutional aspects for a competitive and enabling business environment;
  2. Consolidate fragmented agriculture private sector actors;
  3. Development of Agriculture value chains;
  4. Inclusivity of agriculture sector growth; and
  5. Development of a lean, functional and effective ASNET Secretariat

Members were called to give their invaluable support to ensure that ASNET is a credible and trusted Voice of Kenyan agriculture offering a unique and definitive membership experience.

ASNET Chairman also acknowledged its founding institutions namely; Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI), Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM), UN Food and Agriculture Organization and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP’s) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Platform that continue to support ASNET.

The launch was proudly sponsored by FAO, United States Development Agency (USAID) though the Kenya Crop and Dairy Market System Activity implemented by RTI International, Elgon Kenya Limited and Twiga Chemicals.