Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Sen. Mutahi Kagwe is reflecting on his role in Kenya’s early digital transformation, tracing his journey from helping expand internet connectivity to now championing technology-driven agriculture.
Kagwe played a key role in Kenya’s communications sector during his tenure as Minister for Information and Communications, when the country was making significant steps towards joining the fibre optic internet era.
The expansion of fibre optic infrastructure opened the way for faster internet connectivity, technological innovation and the growth of Kenya’s digital economy, while strengthening the country’s connection to the rest of the world.
“Before Kenya became the connected digital economy we know today, there had to be pioneers who laid the foundation,” Kagwe said.
Years later, Kagwe is pursuing a similar transformation in the agricultural sector, this time using digital technology and data to improve farming, livestock management and productivity.
Through initiatives such as the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management Information System (KIAMIS), Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Data and Information Centre (KADIC) and the Animal Identification and Traceability System (ANITRAC), the Ministry is seeking to connect farmers, livestock and agricultural data through modern digital platforms.
“From helping connect Kenya to the internet to digitising Kenyan agriculture, the transformation continues,” Kagwe said.
The digital initiatives are expected to give farmers better access to information, strengthen data-driven decision-making and improve the management of agricultural activities.
Kagwe said technology can play a critical role in transforming how farmers manage crops and livestock, while also improving efficiency and planning across the agricultural value chain.
“We are moving from digital connectivity to digital farming,” he said.
The adoption of digital tools in agriculture is part of wider government efforts to modernise the sector and equip farmers with technologies that can improve production and profitability.
The Agriculture Ministry is banking on stronger digital systems to improve the collection and use of agricultural data, enhance service delivery to farmers and support efforts to strengthen Kenya’s food security.
The transition from expanding internet access to digitising agriculture, Kagwe said, demonstrates how technology can continue to drive transformation across different sectors of the Kenyan economy.
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