- Agriculture CS nominee Mutahi Kagwe promises action against fake fertilizers and harmful agricultural products.
- Kenya to reject agricultural items banned in other countries to safeguard food security.
- Kagwe pushes for local production of oil crops, including palm oil, to reduce imports.
Mutahi Kagwe, Kenya’s nominee for Cabinet Secretary of Agriculture, expressed his commitment to tackling the sale of fake fertilizers and seeds, which undermine the country’s food security. He emphasized that these fraudulent products put both crop and livestock production at risk, potentially creating long-term effects on Kenya’s agriculture.
Kagwe highlighted the importance of strengthening regulations and enforcing harsher penalties on those who engage in this illicit trade.
Kagwe Targets Fake Fertilizers and Promotes Local Oil Crop Production for Kenya’s Future
In addition to combatting fake products, Kagwe discussed Kenya’s reliance on imported palm oil and the country’s potential to grow these crops locally. He referenced Uganda’s success in cultivating its palm oil industry and suggested that Kenya could follow suit. Kagwe also vowed to ensure that only safe and tested agricultural products are used in Kenya, stressing the country’s refusal to become a testing ground for products banned in other nations.
Kagwe also made it clear that products banned in other countries, including GMOs, pesticides, and fertilizers, would not be allowed in Kenya. He expressed concern about companies rebranding banned products to enter the Kenyan market, reassuring lawmakers that his ministry would work to block such practices. He emphasized that Kenya would not tolerate the use of unsafe products, prioritizing scientific research to guide decision-making on agricultural matters.
Another key area Kagwe focused on was the production of oil crops, particularly palm oil, which Kenya currently imports despite having the capacity to grow them locally. He pointed to Uganda’s success in developing its palm oil industry and stressed that Kenya should follow this example to become self-sufficient in oil crop production. This would not only reduce imports but also create new economic opportunities for local farmers.
Kagwe’s proposals are aimed at ensuring the health and safety of Kenya’s agricultural products while fostering local industry. His stance on rejecting harmful and rebranded foreign products aligns with his broader vision of securing the country’s food systems and strengthening its agricultural sector. By prioritizing local production, Kagwe seeks to reduce Kenya’s dependency on imports and improve the livelihoods of its farmers.
Kagwe’s proactive approach to tackling agricultural challenges, from combating fake fertilizers to promoting local oil crop production, is vital for Kenya’s future food security and economic growth.
“Kenya will not accept agricultural items banned in other countries to safeguard our farmers and food security,” Kagwe emphasized during his vetting.
