NAIROBI, Kenya – Agriculture Cabinet Secretary nominee Mutahi Kagwe has pledged to transform farming into a modern, appealing venture for Kenyan youth. Speaking on Tuesday during his vetting by the National Assembly Committee on Appointments, Kagwe emphasized the need to reimagine agriculture as a vibrant, technology-driven industry.
Kagwe, who described farming as “boring” in its current state, outlined his vision to integrate cutting-edge advancements such as financial technology (fintech) and artificial intelligence (AI) into agricultural training programs. He believes these innovations will make the sector more attractive and accessible to young people.
“Agriculture must be made cool for the youth to embrace it,” said Kagwe. “We will collaborate with the Ministry of Education to revamp agricultural training and equip students with the tools and knowledge they need to succeed in a rapidly evolving sector.”
Bridging Technology and Profitability
The nominee also highlighted plans to work closely with other ministries to ensure farmers maximize their profits. By modernizing the sector and addressing key challenges, Kagwe aims to foster a more sustainable and profitable farming ecosystem.
Kagwe acknowledged the critical role of effective communication in dispelling misinformation surrounding government agricultural initiatives. He cited the backlash over the government’s mass livestock vaccination program as an example of how disinformation can hinder progress.
“I plan to leverage social media and collaborate with traditional media outlets to counter misinformation and build trust in government programs,” said Kagwe. Drawing on his experience as Health CS during the COVID-19 pandemic, he underscored the importance of transparent and consistent communication.
A Proven Leader with Diverse Experience
Kagwe brings a wealth of experience to the role, including a bachelor’s degree in commerce (insurance) from the University of Nairobi and an MBA from the United States International University. His tenure as Health CS under former President Uhuru Kenyatta and as ICT Minister during President Mwai Kibaki’s administration showcased his ability to lead during challenging times.
As Nyeri County’s first senator from 2013 to 2017, Kagwe championed several development initiatives. If approved, he will succeed Andrew Karanja, who has been nominated as Kenya’s ambassador to Brazil.
Kagwe’s vision signals a new chapter for Kenyan agriculture, one that could position it as an innovative and lucrative industry for the nation’s youth.
