Kagwe calls for ban on raw agricultural exports

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has demanded comprehensive legislative changes requiring all Kenyan agricultural products to be processed domestically before export, stating this policy transformation could create millions of employment opportunities for the youth and lessen reliance on political figures for livelihood. Addressing attendees at the International Tea Day festivities held at Momul Tea Factory in Kericho on Thursday, Kagwe requested Parliament and Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot to initiate legislation mandating local processing of agricultural raw materials prior to export. He explained that Kenya forfeits job prospects by sending unprocessed agricultural goods abroad while international sectors profit from refining these identical products. “We must enhance product value. Aaron Cheruiyot, assist us in enacting legislation requiring all goods to undergo value addition before leaving our nation,” Kagwe remarked, delivering one of his most definitive policy declarations regarding agricultural transformation. The Cabinet Secretary contended that the existing export framework hinders employment generation and restricts the nation’s economic advancement. He emphasized that enhancing value addition would directly serve the youth by generating positions across manufacturing and processing stages. “This approach will generate employment and prevent our young people from requesting financial assistance from politicians,” he asserted, prompting applause from farmers and stakeholders present at the gathering. The event was also graced by Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr Kiprono Ronoh, tea industry leaders, and representatives from county governments. The meeting served as part of wider deliberations on transformations within Kenya’s tea sector and approaches to enhance farmer incomes through innovation and diversification. Kagwe utilized the occasion to advocate for a complete overhaul of the tea industry, calling for a transition away from bulk black CTC tea exports toward more valuable products. He emphasized potential growth areas in orthodox teas, green tea, purple tea, herbal mixtures, branded tea packaging, and specialized consumer products targeting high-end international markets. He stated that Kenya’s tea sector must evolve beyond reliance on bulk shipments and concentrate investments in innovation, branding, and product variety. In his view, the industry’s future competitiveness hinges on its ability to adapt to evolving global consumer tastes. The Cabinet Secretary also supported the Tea Levy Regulations 2026, explaining that the levy aims to bolster the industry by financing marketing initiatives, brand development, research endeavors, and value enhancement programs. He observed that although certain stakeholders had voiced opposition, the administration remained dedicated to continued dialogue. “Regarding the tea levy, we remain willing to engage with stakeholders and refrain from using legal proceedings as leverage,” he stated, warning against extended court conflicts that he claimed were impeding progress. He criticized certain factory directors for squandering farmers’ assets through continuous legal challenges despite previous consultations regarding the levy structure. Kagwe additionally voiced concerns about governance in several tea factories, cautioning against misappropriation of farmer funds and imprudent borrowing. “Debt forgiveness cannot persist while some factory executives continue borrowing and embezzling,” he declared. He stressed that all loans obtained on behalf of farmers should serve all cultivators rather than select individuals making independent decisions. He underscored accountability and openness in factory administration as essential for rebuilding trust in the industry. The Cabinet Secretary also tackled land access matters, encouraging families to reassess conventional inheritance methods that restrict youth involvement in farming. He explained that limited land access continues to impede youth engagement in agricultural activities and agribusiness ventures. “Parents should also allocate land to your children for cultivation. There’s no need to wait until your passing as tradition has bound us,” Kagwe advised. He cautioned that without targeted measures to incorporate young people into agriculture, Kenya risks losing an entire generation from food production systems. “We must attract more young individuals to farming,” he emphasized. Kagwe commended initiatives implemented at Momul Tea Factory, including the installation of a new orthodox tea processing unit, creation of specialty tea items like ginger tea, high-end packaging solutions, and expansion into e-commerce platforms. He indicated that such investments embody the direction of Kenya’s tea industry. He further stated that Kenya must establish itself internationally not merely as a provider of quality tea but also as a pioneer in sustainable and ethical production, particularly as worldwide markets progressively require Environmental, Social and Governance adherence. The occasion brought together important participants, including Dr Kiprono Ronoh, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, KTDA leadership, TBK representatives, and board members from throughout the tea industry chain.