Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe has proposed comprehensive legislative reforms that would ban the export of raw agricultural produce, arguing that mandatory local processing and value addition could generate millions of employment opportunities for Kenyan youth while boosting the nation’s economy.
Speaking at the International Tea Day celebrations at Momul Tea Factory in Kericho County, Kagwe urged Parliament to enact laws requiring exporters to process agricultural commodities domestically before exporting them. He stated that Kenya continues to forfeit significant economic potential by exporting raw materials that are later processed and sold back to international markets at substantially higher prices.
According to the CS, value addition in the tea sector through the production of orthodox tea, green tea, purple tea, herbal blends and branded consumer packages would substantially increase farmer earnings, create jobs, and enhance Kenya’s competitiveness in the global tea market.
Kagwe also defended the Tea Levy Regulations 2026, explaining that the levy was introduced to support tea marketing, branding, research and value addition initiatives designed to revitalize the sector.
At the same time, he cautioned tea factory directors against obstructing reforms through extended court battles, accusing some industry leaders of mismanaging farmers’ resources and engaging in irresponsible borrowing practices that continue to weaken tea cooperatives.
The CS further challenged Kenyan families to provide young people with access to land and agribusiness opportunities, emphasizing that the future of agriculture depends on attracting more youth into farming through innovation, investment and adoption of modern technologies.
The event brought together key stakeholders in the tea industry, including Agriculture Principal Secretary Dr. Paul Kipronoh Ronoh, Senate Majority Leader Aaron Cheruiyot, officials from KTDA Holdings Limited, leaders from the Tea Board of Kenya and representatives from various tea factories and cooperatives.
Meanwhile, the government has intensified its crackdown on milk hawking nationwide, with Kagwe warning that the sale of unregulated raw milk poses serious public health risks and continues to undermine the dairy industry.
Speaking during the ceremony for 25 bulk milk coolers at Uhuru Park in Nairobi, the CS said the government is prioritizing improvements in milk quality, traceability and farmer earnings through enhanced organized dairy collection systems and reduced reliance on informal milk brokers.
Kagwe noted that millions of Kenyans continue to consume milk that is neither tested nor traceable, exposing consumers, especially children, to potential health hazards while limiting farmers’ ability to benefit from value-added dairy products such as yogurt, cheese and milk powder.
As part of the ongoing reforms, the Ministry of Agriculture is distributing 230 milk coolers valued at KSh1.4 billion across the country to help reduce post-harvest losses, stabilize milk prices and strengthen dairy cooperatives.
The government is also implementing subsidized sexed semen programmes, improving dairy genetics and encouraging local production of animal feed to reduce production costs for farmers.
Kagwe said the reforms are designed to transform Kenya into a globally competitive dairy producer while protecting farmers from fluctuating milk prices and creating employment opportunities throughout the dairy value chain.
During Students’ Day celebrations at Kagumo High School in Nyeri County, the CS called on educational institutions to embrace emerging technologies and integrate Artificial Intelligence (AI) into their academic curricula to better prepare students for the evolving global economy.
Kagwe observed that the world has rapidly transitioned from conventional systems to technology-driven methods powered by Artificial Intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT), making it essential for both teachers and learners to adapt.
He encouraged students and educators to dedicate more time to digital learning and stay informed about technological developments impacting their fields of study.
The CS further stated that the government remains committed to involving young people in national conversations on sustainable agriculture as part of efforts to achieve food security and eliminate hunger in the country.
He noted that agriculture offers extensive opportunities for innovation and entrepreneurship, particularly for technology-savvy youth capable of modernizing the sector through digital solutions.
“Technology can and will strengthen the way young people view agriculture and help farmers improve productivity and their ability to earn a living income,” Kagwe said.
He added that agriculture is no longer a subsistence activity associated with poverty but a profitable sector capable of generating wealth and employment for those willing to embrace innovation and modern farming methods.
Kagwe pointed to the use of drone technology in pest and disease surveillance as one of the critical innovations the government plans to expand to improve early detection of infestations, prevent crop losses and protect farmers’ incomes.