NAIROBI, Kenya—Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary nominee Mutahi Kagwe has promised to improve communication between the government and farmers.
While appearing before the Cabinet Secretary vetting panel chaired by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula, Kagwe said he would use both mainstream and social media to communicate with the farmers.
“In terms of communication, I want to be clear that we will establish a very robust communication system that will be used in mainstream media and social media,” Kagwe said.
Why there is a need to embrace social media
The former health CS told the panel that he understands that with social media, some negatives come with it.
“But I think sometimes we need to agree in this age and time of democracy that we need to take both the positives and negatives, and they must keep coming anyway, which will not change. So, I will use the same social and mainstream media.”
He further said that he would use the fourth estate as he used it during the COVID-19 pandemic to disseminate information as widely as possible to the farming community.
“It won’t be the first time because members of the fourth estate played a crucial role during the COVID-19 pandemic by helping us to succeed. I intend to try and work with them as openly and transparently as possible,” explained Kagwe.
Mutahi Kagwe responds to the poor State communication regarding Livestock Bill that was withdrawn last year and the controversial livestock vaccine. “If appointed, we will establish a very robust communication in both mainstream and social media to address the negatives fed to…
How Mutahi Kagwe managed the COVID-19 crisis
Kagwe played a crucial role in managing the country’s response to the COVID-19 crisis, implementing health measures, and navigating the various challenges brought about by the pandemic.
His leadership was prominent as he addressed public health needs and coordinated with global health entities.
Meanwhile, should he be approved to take over the ministry, Kagwe said that he was aware that the media would criticise him at some point during his duty.
“And that is fine, too, because oversight is part of their job. Social media is an area that helps us a lot, even though there is negativity. It helps us communicate easily with our people because they are also on social media. And that is what you can’t change. You better use it positively,” he added.
