President William Ruto has outlined four key priorities for the newly-appointed Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, emphasizing the need for reforms in various aspects of the agricultural sector, including addressing the ongoing livestock vaccination issue.
Ruto spoke on Friday, January 17, during the swearing-in ceremony of three new Cabinet Secretaries: Mutahi Kagwe, William Kabogo, and Lee Kinyanjui.
The President specifically tasked Kagwe with tackling challenges within the agriculture docket, drawing attention to several pressing issues.
Notably, Ruto highlighted the current crisis in the tea sector, particularly the backlog of tea at the Port of Mombasa.
The Kenya Tea Development Agency recently accused the government of interfering with the management of smallholder tea factories, leading to price fluctuations at the Mombasa tea auction.
“In tea, just to inform you, we have tea stuck in Mombasa,” Ruto told Kagwe, urging immediate action to resolve the situation.
The President also addressed crop health, revealing that the government had already procured subsidized fertilizer but stressed the importance of ensuring that farmers, especially small-scale ones, received the right type for their crops.
“The procurement of fertilizer has been undertaken.
I will look to you for leadership on how this fertilizer is going to reach every farmer to make sure we eliminate all impediments and the correct fertilizer gets to every farmer,” Ruto said.
Ruto further discussed Kenya’s agricultural export potential, referencing his recent visit to the UAE where a significant economic partnership agreement was signed.
He noted that trade between Kenya and the UAE had reached nearly Sh370 billion, urging Kagwe to ensure that Kenya’s agricultural products, particularly dairy, meet international standards to enhance the country’s reputation in global markets.
Lastly, the President praised Kagwe for his effective leadership as Health Cabinet Secretary, particularly his successful efforts in promoting COVID-19 vaccinations in 2021.
He tasked Kagwe with applying his experience to encourage farmers to participate in the government’s livestock vaccination program.
However, Ruto reiterated that the vaccination would remain voluntary, emphasizing that farmers would not be forced to comply.
“You have what it takes to persuade farmers to take on the vaccination; you have done it before. It is, however, a voluntary exercise and no one will be forced to do anything,” Ruto said.
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