President William Ruto has expressed admiration for Mutahi Kagwe, citing his impressive performance during vetting by the National Assembly for the position of Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock.
Speaking on Friday, January 17, at State House, Nairobi, during the swearing-in of three newly approved Cabinet Secretaries, Ruto lauded Kagwe’s articulate responses to questions from Members of Parliament.
“I was very impressed to see Mutahi Kagwe take on questions from Members of Parliament with a great understanding of where we want to go from here. I am confident that the transformation in the agriculture sector necessary for enhancing productivity will be central to your leadership at the Ministry of Agriculture,” said the President.
Ruto revealed that preparations for key sector reforms were already underway, including the procurement of fertilizer, and emphasized the importance of Kagwe’s leadership in ensuring farmers benefit fully.
“The procurement of fertilizer has already been undertaken. I will look to you for leadership on how this fertilizer reaches every farmer, eliminating any impediments or shortcomings,” Ruto added.
The President also commended Kagwe’s stance on the government’s proposed nationwide livestock vaccination program, affirming that the exercise would remain voluntary. He highlighted the importance of ensuring agricultural products meet international market standards.
“I am very confident that the challenge of persuading farmers to vaccinate their livestock is one you can tackle. I was pleased with your position that this will remain a voluntary exercise. All we want is to ensure our products meet the high standards set by our markets,” Ruto noted.
Kagwe succeeds Andrew Karanja, who has been gazetted as Kenya’s ambassador to Brazil.
