Smart Agriculture Key as Coast Targets Quadrupled Production, Says CS Kagwe
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe (Right) being received at ASK Mombasa. (Photo/ Courtesy)
By Mbungu Harrison
Email, thecoastnewspaper@gmail.com
Agriculture cabinet secretary Mutahi Kagwe says coastal counties remain under-utilized in agricultural production despite having potential to triple and even quadruple production of cassava, cotton, milk, meat, and cashew nuts.
The ministry, according to him, has embarked on vigorous economic revivals in the region, specifically targeting Tana River, Kilifi, Kwale, Lamu and Taita Taveta counties.
“Lamu, Tana River, Kwale, Kilifi and Taita Taveta counties are underutilized agriculturally and livestock produce. They have the potential to triple or even quadruple production of such products as cashew nuts, coconut, cassava, bixa, cotton, milk, and meat,” he said.
The CS contends that Lamu and Mombasa ports will provide logistical support to Kenya on transporting such products to the international market.
“This implies that the agricultural production in the four counties supports processing, logistics, trade and market access through the ports of Mombasa and Lamu.
The investments are made here, jobs are created and remain here, and the wealth created lifts the lives of households here.”
The road and railway infrastructure will ensure the ports are linked to the hinterlands without leaving any region behind.
Speaking during the official opening of this year’s Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Mombasa International Show on September 3, 2026 themed “Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth”, the CS said for the vision to succeed, Kenya needs data-driven, evidence-based agriculture.
“Our interest is to bring technology to agriculture. Public and private sector need to work together.”
According to him the government has institutionalised the Kenya Agricultural and Digital Innovation Centre (KADIC) to drive mechanization, drone technology, ANITRAC and AI on last-mile delivery.
On cash crops, the secretary said the government was reviewing cashew nuts by increasing production, and value addition.
“Coconut contributes a lot to this region. It’s essential for income generation at the rural places. We need to maximize better results using different products like coconut milk, water and others,” he said.
The CS said the government would continue to support cotton production which has risen to 18,000 hectares up from 8,000 hectares in 2022.
On food security, he said the government was keen on prevention of post-harvest losses, especially for maize.
“We need to deal with post-harvest losses. Maize especially. Use the Voi NCPB depot to increase food security. We will facilitate maize imports.”
He challenged regional county governments to work with the national government to address issues facing farmers including erratic rainfall, high cost of inputs, and poor infrastructure.
“We are walking the talk. A Swiss investor is putting up a multimillion facility at the Dongo Kundu SEZ to produce novel tea extracts. The Galana Kulalu million-acre commercialization initiative is already underway with at least Ksh9 billion invested,” he added.
