Mutahi Kagwe, the nominee for Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, pledged on Tuesday to transform agriculture into an appealing and profitable endeavor for Kenyan youth, describing the sector as “boring” in its current state. Appearing before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments in Nairobi, Kagwe outlined an ambitious plan to modernize agriculture through technology and innovation.
“Agriculture must be made attractive to the youth. Currently, it lacks excitement and innovation,” Kagwe stated. He proposed integrating cutting-edge tools such as financial technology (fintech) and artificial intelligence (AI) into agricultural training to revolutionize the sector. He emphasized the need to collaborate with the Ministry of Education to overhaul how agriculture is taught in schools and colleges.
Collaboration for Better Farmer Profits
Kagwe also highlighted his intention to work closely with other ministries to boost farmers’ earnings. “Farmers must see better returns for their efforts. By streamlining policies and leveraging partnerships, we can ensure agriculture becomes a lucrative venture,” he asserted.
Tackling Misinformation with Better Communication
Acknowledging the challenges of misinformation surrounding government initiatives, such as the contentious mass livestock vaccination program, Kagwe promised to enhance communication strategies. He plans to harness social media and collaborate with traditional media to bridge the information gap. Reflecting on his experience as Health CS during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kagwe noted, “We effectively used daily briefings to inform the public. I will adopt similar strategies to counter disinformation and build trust.”
A Proven Leader with a Track Record of Excellence
Kagwe brings a wealth of experience to the table. Holding a bachelor’s degree in commerce from the University of Nairobi and an MBA from the United States International University, his credentials are complemented by significant leadership roles. He served as Health CS under President Uhuru Kenyatta, spearheading Kenya’s pandemic response, and as Minister for ICT during President Mwai Kibaki’s tenure. Additionally, Kagwe was Nyeri County’s first senator from 2013 to 2017.
If confirmed, Kagwe will succeed Andrew Karanja, who has been nominated as Kenya’s ambassador to Brazil. His appointment is widely seen as a step toward revitalizing Kenya’s agricultural sector, with hopes of transforming it into a beacon of innovation and opportunity for the nation’s youth.
