Kenya’s agricultural sector is rapidly entering the digital age. More and more farmers are using mobile technologies to access markets, financial services, and professional agricultural support. Even a simple mobile phone is now becoming a tool for economic participation for small farmers, helping them overcome chronic problems such as isolation, lack of information, and limited access to finance. This process is in line with the national strategy Kenya Vision 2030, which envisions the creation of a technology-oriented and inclusive economy.

From M-PESA to digital farming

Kenya already has a successful track record of digital inclusion. The mobile payment service M-PESA radically changed the financial behavior of millions of people by providing access to cashless payments even in remote regions. The next logical step was the digitization of agriculture, an industry that employs nearly half of the country’s population.

This is how the DigiFarm platform, developed by Safaricom, came into being. It works on a mobile-first principle and is available on both smartphones and basic phones. Registration via USSD code makes the service as simple and convenient as possible, and once connected, farmers receive personalized digital services tailored to their type of farm.

Kilimo and Soko: how DigiFarm works

The DigiFarm platform is built around two key components: Kilimo and Soko.

Kilimo is responsible for agricultural support. Through digital consultations, training materials, access to quality seeds, fertilizers, and financial solutions, farmers can better plan their production cycle and make more informed decisions. The use of data, artificial intelligence, and local partnerships increases farm efficiency and reduces risks.

Soko acts as a digital marketplace. It directly connects farmers with buyers, cooperatives, and processors. Sales take place online, with transactions recorded and instant payments made via M-PESA. This not only simplifies sales but also formalizes farmers’ activities, opening up access to credit and trust from financial institutions.

The role of business and partnerships

Safaricom sees DigiFarm as part of a broader mission to apply digital innovation to solve systemic social problems. The company’s management emphasizes that the development of the agricultural sector is critical to Kenya’s economic future, and technology can make it more transparent, efficient, and sustainable.

Importantly, DigiFarm is developing as an ecosystem. Banks, agricultural suppliers, and non-governmental organizations are involved in the platform. For example, in partnership with financial institutions, farmers receive advances for future harvests, and together with international NGOs, AI solutions are being implemented that provide agronomic advice via SMS and messengers.

Real impact on farmers

By the end of 2025, DigiFarm will bring together more than 3 million farmers and operate in most districts of the country. Thousands of farms have already received loans, access to new markets, and more stable incomes. For many farmers, DigiFarm has become a financial “safety net” that allows them to weather seasonal fluctuations and invest in development.

Individual cases demonstrate significant yield growth thanks to access to quality resources, weather forecasts, and agricultural knowledge. Farmers note not only the economic effect but also increased confidence in the future.

Conclusions

The DigiFarm experience shows that digital transformation can not just be an abstract idea, but a practical tool for the development of traditional industries. Mobile technologies in Kenya have become a catalyst for change in agriculture, giving small farmers access to finance, knowledge, and markets.

This case study demonstrates how a combination of government strategy, business initiatives, and technology can create inclusive economic growth. For many countries where small-scale farming is the basis of food security, Kenya’s example can serve as a model of how digital solutions can transform the agricultural sector without large-scale infrastructure investments.

Source:

  1. Digital Innovation Empowers Kenyan Farmers with Market Access and Financial Services https://www.dawan.africa/news/digital-innovation-empowers-kenyan-farmers-with-market-access-and-financial-services