In a significant move to revolutionize Kenya’s agricultural sector, Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has urged semi-autonomous agencies under his ministry to embrace modern technology. This call to action came during a two-day high-level meeting in Malindi, where Kagwe gathered top ministry officials and leaders of state corporations to chart a new course for the country’s food security and agricultural productivity.
Kagwe’s vision is clear: to refocus efforts on farmers, leveraging innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, transparency, and accountability. At the heart of this strategy is the adoption of smart agriculture tools, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence (AI). Kagwe believes that AI can transform service delivery, enabling farmers to provide direct feedback on government initiatives and ensuring that agricultural inputs reach those who need them most. This approach aims to minimize wastage and curb corruption in distribution channels, a persistent challenge in the sector.
But Kagwe’s plans don’t stop at high-tech solutions. He also highlighted the importance of modern soil analysis technology. This tool, he explained, can help farmers make informed decisions about which crops to plant and which fertilizers to use, preventing common issues where fertilizers end up harming the soil rather than nourishing it. By embracing soil analysis technology, the ministry hopes to guide farmers towards best practices, ultimately boosting crop yields and improving food security.
One of the most notable aspects of Kagwe’s address was his focus on engaging young people in agriculture. He expressed his delight in seeing young individuals involved in the sector and called for more incentives to attract Kenya’s Generation Z. The goal is ambitious: to reduce the average age of farmers from 65 to 20 years, reversing the trend of an aging farmer population. Kagwe believes that encouraging the younger generation to embrace agriculture is an investment in the future of the sector, and the zeal shown by Kenya’s youth is a promising sign for the country’s agricultural turnaround.
The Malindi meeting marked Kagwe’s first major address since his appointment and is seen as a critical step towards aligning Kenya’s agricultural policies with modern innovations. The ministry plans to review existing challenges, devise sustainable solutions, and adjust policies as needed to bolster productivity and sustainability in the sector. As Kenya seeks to bridge the gap between tradition and technology, the integration of state-of-the-art agricultural practices paired with fresh, youthful energy could redefine the landscape of food security in the country.
Beyond these initiatives, officials also deliberated on how to digitally transform other facets of the agriculture value chain, including supply chain management and market access. The aim is to ensure the sector remains competitive on a global scale, positioning Kenya as a leader in modern, sustainable agriculture. As the ministry moves forward with these plans, the future of Kenya’s agricultural sector looks promising, with technology and youthful energy set to drive its transformation.
