Elburgon: The Government is actively promoting value addition of livestock and agricultural products, particularly those destined for the export market, to improve their value and marketability. Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development Mutahi Kagwe stated that the goal was to increase farmers’ incomes and improve the country’s trade balance by selling higher-value, export-ready products.
According to Kenya News Agency, Mutahi Kagwe emphasized that promoting value addition would enhance Kenya’s manufacturing sector and create jobs for millions of unemployed youths. Accompanied by Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff Felix Koskei, Kagwe made these remarks during the launch of the distribution of one million clean pyrethrum planting materials at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) grounds in Elburgon, within Njoro Sub-County.
Kagwe highlighted that one of the government’s policies was promoting processing and value addition in agriculture, arguing that local processing of oil crops, macadamia nuts, tea, coffee, dairy products, and avocado, among others, had the potential to generate employment. He noted that the sector could create more than 3 million jobs across the value chain. He expressed concern that the continued export of unprocessed agricultural and livestock products benefited only foreign buyers, resulting in loss of jobs in Kenya’s manufacturing sector and reduced export earnings.
The Cabinet Secretary explained that processing raw agricultural products locally would create jobs in the manufacturing sector and boost the economy through enhanced foreign exchange earnings. This transformation of raw commodities into processed or semi-processed goods like dairy products, processed fruits and vegetables, and higher-quality livestock products would be beneficial.
Kagwe affirmed that the government was encouraging the establishment of agro-processing facilities and supporting farmers in creating cottage industries to add value to their produce. Simultaneously, the government was investing in infrastructure like irrigation systems and transportation networks to support value addition and export activities.
Efforts are being made to improve market access for value-added products, including developing cooperatives and facilitating trade relationships with other countries, he added. The Cabinet Secretary indicated that they were working on a proposal to reduce taxes on packaging materials for agricultural products and assured farmers that the government was addressing the shortage of quality potato seed by promoting new technologies like rooted apical cuttings and focusing on certified seed production.
Kagwe expressed satisfaction that the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO) was developing new seed varieties designed to accelerate early-generation seed production, reducing reliance on traditional seed tubers. The government is encouraging the production of certified seeds that are drought-resistant and disease-tolerant, addressing the shortage of certified seeds in the market.
The Cabinet Secretary also assured Kenyans that the government was on course to combat the importation and use of harmful pesticides in the country, adding that they had received a list of 50 pesticide products from the Pest Control Products Board (PCPB) whose importation would be banned for non-compliance with safety standards.
Kagwe’s move comes amid growing concerns about the presence of highly hazardous pesticides in the Kenyan market. The government is supporting initiatives to promote safer and sustainable agricultural practices, including encouraging the use of organic farming methods and developing natural pest control methods.
In his remarks, Head of Public Service and Chief of Staff Koskei pointed out that the Cabinet approved the Draft Pest Control Products Bill, which modernizes the regulation of pest control products in Kenya. The Bill aligns with the Kenya Constitution and international standards that enhance food safety and environmental protection.
Governor Susan Kihika pledged that her administration aims to boost pyrethrum growing by ensuring that at least 30,000 acres of land is put under the crop in the region within the next two years. They are collaborating with the state-owned Pyrethrum Processing Company of Kenya (PPCK) and private entities to provide farmers with quality seedlings and increase acreage under the crop. Ms. Kihika stated that they would ensure sufficient land is available in pyrethrum growing zones to enable PPCK and other private sector actors to set up crop nurseries.