By James Okoth.
Kisumu County has launched a groundbreaking pilot programme to develop a food systems financial tracking model, a first-of-its-kind initiative expected to inform a nationwide framework for closing financing gaps across Kenya’s food ecosystem.
The programme is being implemented under the Financial Flows to Food Systems (3FS) framework with support from the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) and the Embassy of Ireland, marking a significant step towards building transparent, accountable and evidence-based financing for agriculture and nutrition.
Speaking during the Financing Agri-Food Systems Sustainably (FINAS) 2026 Forum at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi, Kisumu Deputy Governor Dr. Mathew Owili said financing, not policy, is now the biggest frontier in transforming Africa’s food systems.
“The challenge before us is not merely about increasing investments. It is about fundamentally rethinking how we finance food systems by ensuring that investments are coordinated, evidence-driven, climate-smart and capable of delivering lasting economic, social and environmental benefits,” Owili said.
He revealed that Kisumu has invested approximately KSh4.2 billion in food systems interventions over the past three financial years, with the bulk directed towards infrastructure, agricultural value chains, nutrition and climate resilience.
To strengthen coordination, the county has operationalized the Food Liaison Advisory Council of Kisumu (FLACK), a multi-stakeholder platform bringing together government agencies, development partners, private sector players and civil society to mobilize resources and accelerate food systems transformation.
Owili said the council will play a central role in aligning investments and ensuring financing reaches areas with the greatest impact.
“The future of Africa’s food systems will not be determined by the resources we possess alone, but by how effectively we mobilize, coordinate and invest those resources,” he said.
Irish Ambassador to Kenya, H.E. CaitrÃona Ingoldsby, reaffirmed Ireland’s commitment to supporting resilient and inclusive food systems, saying sustainable financing is essential to ending hunger while improving livelihoods and climate resilience across Africa.
“Strong partnerships and locally led solutions are essential if we are to build food systems that are resilient, inclusive and capable of delivering lasting benefits to communities,” Ambassador Ingoldsby said.
GAIN Kenya Country Director Ruth Okowa said the financial tracking model will enable governments to understand where investments are going, identify financing gaps and make better decisions that improve nutrition and strengthen food systems.
“Better data on food systems financing allows governments to invest more strategically, improve accountability and ensure resources deliver greater impact for farmers and consumers,” Okowa said.
The forum brought together governments, development partners, financial institutions and private sector leaders from across Africa to explore innovative financing mechanisms capable of transforming agri-food systems into drivers of economic growth, food security and climate resilience.
With Kisumu now hosting the pilot under the 3FS framework, the county is positioning itself at the forefront of shaping how Kenya and potentially other African countries, track, coordinate and finance sustainable food systems.
