Lawmakers Push for Agriculture, Blue Economy Reforms at Mombasa Show

By Mbungu Harrison

Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com

Legislators have put agriculture and the blue economy at the centre of parliamentary reforms as they engaged the public at the Mombasa International Show.

Speaking at the Parliamentary Service Commission stand at the Mkomani Showground on Thursday, September 3, 2026, the MPs said Parliament was pushing for cheaper farm inputs, better markets, and policies that protect farmers and fisherfolk.

National Assembly agriculture committee vice chair Brighton Yegon said farmers must be cushioned from high production costs and exploitation.

“Our focus is to ensure that farmers receive affordable inputs on time, produce competitively and earn better returns from their work. Agriculture must remain profitable for the people who sustain our food system,” he said.

Likoni MP and PSC commissioner Mishi Mboko said the Coast was yet to fully reap from its ocean wealth calling for smart technology and value addition to benefit local communities.

“The blue economy must translate into livelihoods for our people. Our fishermen and coastal communities need smart technology, value-addition facilities and better access to markets so that the wealth of the ocean benefits them directly,” she said.

Nominated Senator Hezena Lemaletian, who sits in the Senate agriculture committee, said pastoralists needed early interventions before drought wipes out livestock.

“We must move from responding to drought after livestock have already been lost. Our policies should support early interventions, livestock off-take programmes, better markets and value addition to make pastoralism more resilient and commercially sustainable,” she said.

Broadcasting and Library parliamentary committee member Julius Kipletting Rutto said Parliament was using its communication platforms to keep Kenyans informed on legislation and oversight.

The legislators urged Kenyans to use the Show not just for entertainment, but to learn about smart farming technologies and Parliament’s role in legislation, representation and oversight.