Agriculture Cabinet Secretary nominee Mutahi Kagwe has unveiled his vision to transform the agricultural sector by actively engaging the youth.

Kagwe emphasized the need to equip young people with the tools and resources necessary to revolutionize agriculture while leveraging modern technology.

“My primary agenda would be to engage the youth in agriculture by providing them with access to land and other necessary resources. The future of agriculture is heavily reliant on technology; therefore, introducing modern agricultural techniques would appeal to young people who are well-versed in current technological advancements,” Kagwe stated.

Speaking during a vetting session, Kagwe outlined plans to make agriculture more attractive to the youth, addressing a growing concern about the aging farmer population in Kenya.

By integrating technology such as precision farming, drone use, and smart irrigation systems, Kagwe believes the sector can become a viable and lucrative career path for young Kenyans.

He also pointed out the untapped potential in value addition and agribusiness, sectors that could generate significant employment opportunities.

“The youth are the backbone of this nation, and if we can successfully integrate them into agriculture, not only will we secure food security, but we will also tackle unemployment,” he added.

Kagwe’s remarks come amid growing calls for sustainable measures to enhance productivity in Kenya’s agricultural sector, which contributes approximately 22% to the country’s GDP.

If approved, Kagwe aims to prioritize policies that provide affordable loans, access to markets, and subsidies to encourage youth participation in farming.

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