How my childhood prepared me for agriculture CS role - Kagwe

Cabinet Secretary nominee for Agriculture Mutahi Kagwe on Tuesday unpacked his suitability for the role when he appeared before the National Assembly committee on appointment.

The CS nominee began by highlighting how his childhood prepared him for the role saying the journey began in his primary school years.

Kagwe said he first picked up agriculture at the 4K Club back in primary school.

“The 4k Club introduced us to agriculture and that is where I picked my talent in planting trees and so on,” he said.

Kagwe said 4K clubs are among key programs that need to be revived in schools to bolster efforts seeking to better the country.

The former Health CS said he spent his school holidays in coffee factories drying the beans.

He added that he was part of the agriculture club in his high school days.

After graduating from the university, Kagwe started off his career at Mashinani Magazine and later joined the Standard Media Group. He joined politics in 2002 when he successfully vied for the Mukurweini MP seat.

He was appointed minister for ICT in 2005, a role he performed for two years.

He lost his bid to retain his MP seat in 20007  but was lucky to be appointed chairman of the Multimedia University.

In 2013, he made a comeback to Parliament after he was elected Nyeri County Senator, a position he served for 5 years.

In 2017,  he unsuccessfully vied for Nyeri governor's seat. Three years later, in 2020, he made a comeback to the government as Health CS.

Kagwe gained national prominence during the COVID-19 pandemic where his meticulous communication and leadership were pivotal in managing the pandemic crisis.

His ability to convey complex health information clearly and effectively earned him public trust and admiration, turning him into a household name.

Under his stewardship, the Ministry of Health implemented strategies that not only aimed to contain the virus but also to ensure the continuity of essential health services.