NAIROBI, Kenya – Agriculture Cabinet Secretary nominee Mutahi Kagwe has vowed to transform farming into an appealing and profitable venture for Kenyan youth, describing the sector as currently “boring” and in need of a technological overhaul.
Speaking before the National Assembly Committee on Appointments at Parliament on Tuesday, Kagwe emphasized the urgent need to modernize agricultural training by integrating cutting-edge technologies like financial technology (fintech) and artificial intelligence (AI).
“For agriculture to attract the youth, we must make it exciting and relevant. This means incorporating technology and innovative methods into our approach,” Kagwe said. “We will collaborate with the Ministry of Education to revamp agricultural training, ensuring it aligns with the interests and aspirations of the younger generation.”
Kagwe also underscored his commitment to improving farmers’ profitability by working closely with other ministries. He revealed plans to overhaul the ministry’s communication strategies to counter misinformation about government initiatives, which he identified as a significant barrier to public trust and participation.
“Disinformation has hindered the success of several programs, such as mass livestock vaccination. We will leverage social media and collaborate with the media to provide clear, accurate, and timely information to Kenyans,” he said.
Drawing on his experience as Health CS during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kagwe pointed to his effective use of daily press briefings to combat misinformation and keep the public informed.
With a solid academic foundation—a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Nairobi and an MBA from the United States International University—Kagwe brings extensive leadership experience to the table. He previously served as the ICT minister under former President Mwai Kibaki and as Nyeri County’s inaugural senator from 2013 to 2017.
If approved, Kagwe will succeed Andrew Karanja, who has been nominated by President William Ruto as Kenya’s ambassador to Brazil. Kagwe’s appointment is seen as a strategic move to inject innovation and energy into the agriculture sector, a critical pillar of Kenya’s economy.
The nominee’s ambitious vision signals a potential turning point for Kenyan agriculture, aiming to inspire a new generation of farmers and modernize a sector central to the nation’s future.
