Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has called upon young people to consider pursuing careers in agriculture-related fields, emphasizing their high availability in today’s job market. Speaking on the inaugural episode of ‘Kenya’s Gold,’ an agricultural program aired on Citizen TV, Gachagua stressed the importance of involving youths in farming activities.
Data reveals a significant disparity, with the average age of Kenyan farmers standing at 61 years old, despite 71% of the population being comprised of individuals aged 35 and below. Gachagua emphasized the government’s commitment to achieving food security and reducing food imports.
Gachagua pointed out that Kenya spends approximately Ksh.1.2 billion on edible oils annually, despite the presence of fertile lands in western Kenya and Nyanza suitable for cultivating crops like soya beans and palm oil, key ingredients in edible oil production. The government has partnered with countries such as Mali to obtain seedlings, facilitating the journey toward self-sufficiency in edible oil production.
To make agriculture more appealing to the youth, the government has introduced various initiatives, including Climate Smart Agriculture, the establishment of aggregation centers for online marketing of agricultural products, engagement in greenhouse farming, and the horticulture sector. These methods require less land and incorporate technology, making them attractive options for young people.
Gachagua identified the primary obstacles preventing youth from entering agriculture as limited access to land and capital. He highlighted the innovative Hustler Fund, which allows groups to apply for funding of up to Ksh.1 million for ventures such as poultry farming, pig rearing, dairy farming, and greenhouse agriculture in its second phase.
Gachagua also advised young individuals to consider seeking land from their parents for agricultural purposes. Agriculture currently provides employment to 40% of Kenya’s total population and contributes significantly to the country’s GDP, accounting for approximately 21% of the economy. In rural areas, it supports up to 70% of the population.
