CS Nominee Kagwe Pledges to Revolutionize Agriculture for Kenyan Youth

CS Nominee Kagwe Pledges to Revolutionize Agriculture for Kenyan Youth

World News

Nairobi, Kenya – Agriculture Cabinet Secretary nominee Mutahi Kagwe has vowed to transform farming into an appealing and profitable venture for Kenyan youth, shedding its current image as a “boring” occupation. Kagwe, who addressed the National Assembly Committee on Appointments on Tuesday, emphasized the need to integrate cutting-edge technology and innovative approaches to reinvigorate the sector.

“Agriculture has to be made cool for the youth to embrace it. It is too boring currently and needs to include technology and new ways of doing things,” Kagwe stated, proposing collaborations with the Ministry of Education to modernize agriculture training. This includes incorporating financial technology (fintech) and artificial intelligence (AI) into learning modules to align with global advancements.

Kagwe also committed to fostering inter-ministerial cooperation to boost farmer profitability and ensure the sustainability of government initiatives. He underscored the importance of addressing misinformation, which has hindered acceptance of key programs such as mass livestock vaccination.

The nominee pointed to his prior experience as Health CS, where he utilized robust communication strategies, including daily press briefings during the COVID-19 pandemic, to combat misinformation and engage the public effectively. “I will leverage social media and collaborate with the media to directly inform Kenyans, countering disinformation with facts and clarity,” Kagwe assured lawmakers.

Kagwe’s extensive background spans public service and technology. He holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce (insurance) from the University of Nairobi and an MBA from the United States International University. His portfolio includes serving as the Minister for Information Communication and Technology (ICT) 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 as Kenya’s ambassador to Brazil by President William Ruto. Kagwe’s vision for a tech-savvy, youth-driven agriculture sector marks a significant step toward redefining the future of farming in Kenya.

The nominee’s proposals highlight a blend of innovation, inclusivity, and strategic communication, promising a brighter outlook for Kenya’s agricultural landscape.

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