By Lenah Bosibori
Over 400 innovators, policymakers, researchers, and soil health advocates gathered at the first-ever Data for Soil Health and Scale Summit, hosted by the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development in partnership with the World Bank, to mark a pivotal step in tackling one of Africa’s most pressing agricultural challenges: soil degradation.
With 65% of Kenya’s soils degraded, the summit spotlighted how data-driven innovations ranging from AI-powered diagnostics to bio-fertilizers and decentralized testing kits can help restore fertility and improve yields for millions of farmers across Eastern and Southern Africa.
“Soil testing turned my farm’s fortunes from night to day. I was farming blind wasting resources on the wrong fertilizers. This is a mistake too many Kenyan farmers make,” said Hon. Mutahi Kagwe, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture. “We must empower smallholders with data and tools to unlock their land’s potential.”
Speakers at the summit emphasized the economic and food security risks posed by declining soil quality. Dr. Paul Ronoh, Principal Secretary, noted: “This crisis is not just agronomic—it’s a matter of national stability. We must scale soil data systems and technologies to boost productivity sustainably.”
The summit builds upon the Nairobi Declaration on Soil Health from the 2024 Africa Fertilizer and Soil Health Summit and aligns with Kenya’s Fertilizer and Soil Health Implementation Plan and the ongoing development of a Kenya Soil Information System (KenSIS).
Innovators Pitch Groundbreaking Soil Solutions
A major highlight was the Data4SoilHealth and Soil Health Innovation Challenges, where 24 finalists pitched transformative solutions—from AI-based diagnostics to mobile advisories and digital nutrient management tools.
Challenge Winners Announced
Overall Winner – Data4SoilHealth Challenge
- Ycenter Shambah Solutions (Kenya): AI-powered mobile soil testing kits that provide rapid results in under 15 minutes.
Runners-Up – Data4SoilHealth
- Antugrow (Kenya) – AI + satellite imagery for soil mapping
- Varaha Climate Ag (India) – Soil organic carbon monitoring via remote sensing
- AgWise DST (Italy) – Decision-support tools for precision fertilizer use
- Earth Guard (Kenya) – AI & GIS platform for soil restoration
Innovation Challenge Winner
- Umuntu Agrobiotics (Uganda) – A microbial “bio-blend” that boosts yields by 40% while reducing production costs by 42%
Runners-Up – Innovation Challenge
- Rhea Soil Health (Kenya) – Real-time AI soil testing
- Mechro Limited (Malawi) – Color-coded Chameleon Tools for nutrient and water monitoring
Academic Excellence Awards
- AgriChain (Kenya) – Blockchain-integrated GIS & AI soil data platform
- Kiduka Research Hub – Hyperlocal agroecological data
- Kibabii University – AI for predictive soil degradation
- University of Amsterdam – Optimized fertilizer distribution using algorithmic modeling
Thryve Award for Soil Testing
- CropNuts (Kenya) – Accredited lab testing with digital integration
- Ujuzi Kilimo (Kenya) – Mobile-based soil diagnostics with SMS feedback
Winners will receive technical acceleration support from the World Bank, British High Commission, and other ecosystem partners to scale their solutions.
Leadership on Soil Health and Sustainability
Anne M. Bakilana, World Bank Operations Manager for Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and Somalia, stressed the role of private sector engagement:
“We must leverage data to transform food systems. The private sector is key to scaling soil fertility solutions.”
Governor Mutahi Kahiga of Nyeri County and Vice Chair of the Council of Governors, added:
“Counties must be active participants. Farmers need better incomes, yields, and resilience. This is our shared goal.”
Mr. Collin Marangu, Agriculture Secretary, closed the summit with a powerful message:
“Let’s unite data, innovation, and determination to restore soils and secure livelihoods for future generations.”
The Summit was supported by a broad coalition, including CGIAR, GIZ, SoilHive, Thryve Innovation CoLab, IFDC, Microsoft, AGRA, and KALRO, among others. The event emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships and data infrastructure to drive farmer-focused impact at scale.