Mutahi Kagwe, the Cabinet Secretary nominee for Agriculture, has unveiled a detailed communication strategy aimed at revolutionizing the agricultural sector.
Speaking before the National Assembly’s Appointment Committee on Tuesday, Kagwe emphasized the need for leveraging both traditional and digital media to enhance communication within the sector. He highlighted the importance of engaging key stakeholders—including farmers, experts, and policymakers—in decision-making processes.
“Cows belong to individuals. Maize belongs to individuals. Coffee farms belong to individuals. So, any decisions we make must include those who own these products,” he stated.
Kagwe underscored the role of a consultative approach in agricultural reforms, asserting that collaboration among all players in the sector is essential for progress. He also stressed the critical input of experts in shaping informed agricultural decisions.
“We must work together with experts to ensure that we are making the right choices for the future of agriculture,” he added.
Commitment to Transparent Communication
Drawing from his experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, Kagwe pointed to the importance of transparent communication, particularly during crises. He recalled how he spearheaded daily virtual updates during the pandemic to keep the public informed about the evolving situation.
“If approved, I will continue to work closely with the media, both mainstream and social, to disseminate information and engage with the public,” Kagwe noted.
He acknowledged the challenges posed by negativity on social media but described digital platforms as valuable tools for reaching younger audiences and farmers.
Youth-Centric Agricultural Policies
Kagwe reiterated his commitment to placing farmers at the center of agricultural policies, with a focus on making farming profitable and attractive to the youth. He emphasized that the sector’s growth depends on incentivizing young people to venture into agriculture.
“We have to make agriculture attractive and profitable for young people,” Kagwe said, stressing that profitability is key to sustaining interest in farming.
If approved, Kagwe plans to implement a communication-driven strategy that promotes inclusivity, transparency, and youth participation, ultimately aiming to transform agriculture into a thriving sector.
