The Current State of Kenya's County Agriculture Sector Steering Committees (CASSCOMs)
Based on an extensive national survey, this report examines the institutional structures and impact of CASSCOMs, exploring their role in coordinating subnational agriculture and food systems actors and linking county initiatives with national agendas.
Effective coordination is essential for food systems transformation, enabling shared vision, aligned priorities, accountability, and inclusive engagement. It is especially crucial in Kenya following the devolution of agricultural support functions under the 2010 Constitution.
This report assesses the structure, impact, and performance of County Agriculture Sector Steering Committees (CASSCOMs)—the primary coordination platform for food systems actors at the sub-national level—across all 47 counties. The national survey reached 244 respondents across government, civil society, development partners, the private sector, and community representatives. The findings highlight the realities of CASSCOMs on the ground, showing areas of progress and persistent gaps. One lesson stands out above all else: beyond hardware alone, the strength of structures and frameworks will determine the extent to which counties unlock the full potential of their food systems.
