Kenya faces a critical moment as agriculture, the backbone of its economy, struggles to meet the nation’s food needs. Climate change, outdated practices, inadequate policies, and declining youth interest compound the challenges in the sector. However, a new era of leadership brings hope as Mutahi Kagwe steps into his role as the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development.
Kagwe brings decades of experience in media, business, government, and Parliament, equipping him to tackle the pressing issues in agriculture. His personal connection to farming, shaped by his rural upbringing and involvement in initiatives like the 4K Club, underscores his commitment to revitalizing the sector. His vision centers on a transformative goal: making farming profitable again. “Everything must revolve around the farmer’s profit and loss statement,” he emphasizes.
A glaring issue in the sector is the age gap. With the average farmer being 65 years old and Kenya’s population predominantly youthful, Kagwe recognizes the urgency of attracting young people to farming. His strategy involves making agriculture profitable and appealing. Technology will play a central role, offering real-time market data and ensuring fair access to markets. Additionally, leasing idle land to young people could be a game-changing policy to engage them in farming. “Young people will only engage in agriculture if it is both profitable and exciting,” he asserts.
Kenya’s agricultural sector also grapples with entrenched cartels that undermine farmers’ livelihoods, particularly in industries like coffee and sugar. Kagwe has pledged to confront these cartels head-on, advocating for collective action, robust parliamentary oversight, community involvement, and enhanced transparency within the ministry.
Climate change poses another significant threat to agriculture, disrupting traditional farming practices with erratic weather patterns, prolonged droughts, and unpredictable rainfall. Kagwe has outlined strategies to combat these challenges, including promoting drought-resistant crops and livestock, expanding irrigation infrastructure, and adopting climate-smart practices like agroforestry. He also advocates for insurance schemes to protect pastoralists from devastating losses during droughts.
Kagwe has also vowed to safeguard the country against foreign exploitation. He insists that Kenya will not serve as a testing ground for unproven products or technologies, and no product banned in its country of origin will be allowed into Kenya.
Drawing from his leadership during the Covid-19 pandemic, Kagwe stresses the importance of transparency and communication to earn public trust. As he takes on his new role, his focus on profitability, youth engagement, technology, and climate resilience positions him to address the sector’s challenges effectively. While the road ahead is fraught with obstacles, Kagwe’s ambitious vision offers a path toward a thriving agricultural future for Kenya.
