The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has welcomed the appointment of Mutahi Kagwe as the new Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock. The announcement, made on Friday, signifies a fresh chapter for Kenya’s agricultural sector, which has been grappling with challenges ranging from political interference to the influence of cartels in the management of smallholder tea factories.
KTDA congratulated Kagwe on his swearing-in and expressed its readiness to work closely with his office to foster the growth and sustainability of the tea sector, which directly impacts over 700,000 smallholder farmers across the country. The agency also reiterated the importance of agriculture in Kenya’s economy, stating that it is a crucial pillar that requires a collaborative effort to strengthen and ensure long-term success.
In a statement on the X platform, KTDA emphasized its optimism for the future, saying, “Together, we can strengthen agriculture’s vital role in Kenya’s economy and ensure its long-term success.” The agency also expressed confidence in the new leadership, signaling hope that the sector would overcome current hurdles and see improved growth.
One of the significant issues facing Kenya’s agriculture is the alleged infiltration of cartels in the sector, a topic that Kagwe addressed during his vetting process before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments. The new CS openly acknowledged the presence of these cartels, which have undermined the proper management of agriculture, especially in the tea industry. He pledged to tackle this issue head-on, vowing to dismantle the cartels that have hindered the sector’s development.
“I’m quite aware that there are cartels in this ministry. I know cartels fight back. Not only would I expect them to fight me back once I start fighting them, in fact, I’m ready for the battle because I know it’ll come,” Kagwe said. His bold statement showed his readiness to confront the challenge, drawing on his experience in the Ministry of Health, where he dealt with similar battles.
Kagwe’s commitment to curbing corruption and cartel influence aligns with the ongoing efforts by various stakeholders in Kenya’s agricultural sector to ensure that policies and resources are used to benefit the smallholder farmers rather than being siphoned off by unscrupulous individuals. His assurance that there will be strict regulations, including the rejection of products that are not used in their country of origin, further solidified his stance on rooting out inefficiency and promoting local growth.
The new CS’s approach indicates a comprehensive strategy that combines firm leadership with a focus on integrity and transparency. KTDA’s optimistic tone highlights the collective desire for stability and progress in Kenya’s tea industry, which remains a vital export for the country. It is clear that under Kagwe’s leadership, both KTDA and other stakeholders are looking forward to overcoming the sector’s challenges and ensuring the prosperity of Kenya’s agricultural sector in the coming years.
