Aden Duale, the Cabinet Secretary for Environment, Climate Change, and Forestry, has officially taken over as the Acting Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. This transition follows the nomination of Dr. Andrew Karanja, the immediate former Agriculture CS, as Kenya’s ambassador to Brazil. The announcement was made by Felix Koskei, the Head of Public Service, on December 19, 2024, as part of a broader Cabinet reshuffle.
The handover ceremony, held at Kilimo House on Tuesday, marked the formal transfer of responsibilities. During the event, Dr. Karanja expressed gratitude for the unwavering support he received from the Ministry’s staff and wished the incoming leadership success in delivering on the Ministry’s ambitious objectives.
Key officials attending the ceremony included Dr. Paul Kiprono, Principal Secretary (PS) for Agriculture; Jonathan Mueke, PS for Livestock Development; Collin Marangu, Agriculture Secretary; and Rashid Khator, Secretary for Administration. Each praised Dr. Karanja’s dedication and pledged full cooperation to ensure the Ministry continues to make progress under Duale’s leadership.
In his address, Aden Duale reaffirmed his commitment to the Ministry’s mandate, emphasizing food security, improved agricultural practices, and sustainable livestock development. He assured the staff of a seamless leadership transition and promised to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto has nominated Mutahi Kagwe as the new Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, pending parliamentary vetting and approval by the National Assembly. Kagwe is part of a larger group of newly appointed Cabinet members and diplomats awaiting confirmation.
This reshuffle reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the performance of key ministries. As Acting CS, Duale will oversee the Ministry’s operations and maintain momentum in critical projects, especially those aimed at combating food insecurity and promoting agricultural productivity, until the formal appointment of Kagwe is completed.
