Cabinet Secretary nominee for Agriculture, Mutahi Kagwe, on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, defended his qualifications and experience for the role during his vetting by the National Assembly Committee on Appointments.
Kagwe recounted how his passion for agriculture began during his primary school years through participation in the 4K Club, which introduced him to farming practices. He highlighted the importance of reviving 4K Clubs in schools to nurture agricultural skills in young learners, noting their potential to transform the country’s agricultural sector.
“My journey in agriculture began in primary school with the 4K Club. It taught us essential skills like tree planting and other farming practices, which sparked my interest in the sector,” Kagwe said.
He added that his childhood experiences included working in coffee factories during school holidays, further grounding his knowledge of agriculture. Kagwe’s involvement in high school agriculture clubs also contributed to his understanding of farming practices.
After graduating from university, Kagwe began his professional journey at Mashinani Magazine and later joined the Standard Media Group. His political career commenced in 2002 when he was elected Mukurweini MP.
During his tenure, Kagwe was appointed Minister for ICT in 2005, a role he held for two years. Despite losing his parliamentary seat in 2007, he remained active in public service, including serving as chairman of the Multimedia University.
In 2013, he was elected Nyeri County Senator, a position he held for five years. Although his 2017 bid for Nyeri governor was unsuccessful, Kagwe returned to government in 2020 as Health CS.
Leadership During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Kagwe gained national recognition for his leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. His clear communication and strategic decision-making were pivotal in managing the crisis, ensuring public trust and the continuation of essential health services.
Under his leadership, the Ministry of Health implemented measures to contain the virus while maintaining the functionality of Kenya’s healthcare system.
Commitment to Agriculture
Kagwe emphasized that his diverse career experience, including leadership roles in ICT, health, and education, equips him with the skills to drive innovation and reform in the agriculture sector.
“My broad career path has always focused on service delivery and improving lives. I am committed to applying my knowledge and experience to enhance food security and agricultural sustainability in Kenya,” he stated.
If approved, Kagwe aims to prioritize modernizing Kenya’s agriculture sector, reviving grassroots programs like the 4K Club, and supporting farmers to address challenges in productivity and sustainability.
