NAIROBI, Kenya — Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has sounded the alarm over entrenched commercial interests he says are actively undermining government-led reforms aimed at transforming Kenya’s food systems.
Speaking at the opening of the 2025 CABI Africa Regional Consultation in Nairobi, Kagwe decried what he termed as “a worrying pattern” of resistance to reform efforts — including interference in legislation, manipulation of regulatory processes, and strategic use of media to sway public opinion.
“This is not just a policy issue. It is a fight for the health of our people, the integrity of our food systems, and the future of our environment,” Kagwe told delegates at the three-day summit, which has brought together regional and global agricultural experts to shape a continental agenda for safer, sustainable farming.
Kagwe reaffirmed Kenya’s commitment to phasing out harmful agrochemicals, enhancing food safety laws, and investing in farmer education and climate-smart tools.
He warned, however, that these efforts face stiff opposition from actors with commercial stakes in maintaining the status quo.
Without naming names, the CS said such actors have persistently worked behind the scenes to delay reforms that would reduce dependence on toxic pesticides and improve public health outcomes.
Calls for Regional Unity
Kagwe used the platform to urge African nations to harmonise pesticide regulations, build joint oversight mechanisms, and scale up agricultural training as part of a broader regional push for resilience in the face of climate-related pest threats and pesticide misuse.
He pointed to Kenya’s Agricultural Sector Transformation and Growth Strategy (ASTGS) as the country’s blueprint for delivering climate-resilient, inclusive farming — and aligning with international sanitary and phytosanitary standards to unlock global markets.
“Let us not leave this room with just another communiqué,” Kagwe said. “Let this be a turning point — a moment where political courage meets scientific truth.”
Commends CABI’s Role
The CS praised the Centre for Agriculture and Biosciences International (CABI) for its decades-long role in African agricultural development, including leading regional responses to invasive pests like fall armyworm and desert locusts, and championing nature-based solutions such as Kenya’s National Prosopis Strategy.
“From battling fall armyworm to pioneering sustainable pest management, CABI has helped anchor agricultural resilience across the continent,” Kagwe said.
He also highlighted the importance of leveraging platforms like the Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme (CAADP) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to promote South-South cooperation and shared progress.
The CABI consultation continues through June 13, with delegates expected to develop a continental roadmap to phase out hazardous pesticides and accelerate the shift toward a science-based, farmer-focused future for African agriculture.
