Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has urged semi-autonomous agencies under his ministry to embrace modern technology in revitalizing Kenya’s agricultural sector and strengthening food security.
Speaking at a high-level consultative meeting in Malindi, Kagwe emphasized the need for innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability in resource distribution. The two-day event brought together top ministry officials, chairpersons, and chief executive officers of state corporations to deliberate on strategies aimed at transforming the sector.
“We are here to refocus our attention on farmers to achieve food sufficiency and boost agricultural-based industries,” Kagwe stated, underlining the need for smart agricultural tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline service delivery and improve farmer engagement.
He highlighted AI’s potential to ensure farm inputs reach the right beneficiaries, reducing wastage and corruption in distribution channels. Additionally, Kagwe stressed the importance of modern soil analysis technology, which will guide farmers in selecting appropriate crops and fertilizers, thereby preventing soil degradation and maximizing productivity.
“Some fertilizers may harm the soil instead of improving its fertility. By embracing soil analysis technology, we can guide farmers on best practices,” he said.
A key focus of the meeting was also on attracting Kenya’s youth into agriculture. Kagwe noted that the average age of Kenyan farmers currently stands at 65 years, and called for incentives to encourage Generation Z’s participation, with a transformative goal of reducing the average farmer’s age to 20 years.
“Encouraging the younger generation to embrace agriculture is an investment in the future of the sector,” he remarked, adding that the enthusiasm shown by Kenya’s youth signals a promising future for agriculture in the country.
The meeting marked Kagwe’s first major address since his appointment and served as a platform to align agricultural policies with technological advancements. The ministry also explored ways to digitally transform supply chain management and market access to ensure Kenya’s agricultural sector remains globally competitive.
As the country seeks to merge tradition with technology, the integration of state-of-the-art farming practices and youthful innovation could redefine food security and agricultural sustainability in Kenya.
