Kakamega County
June 13, 2025
Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Sen. Mutahi Kagwe has called on county governments across the country to protect Agricultural Society of Kenya (A.S.K) land from encroachment and land grabbers, stressing that the property must remain under A.S.K’s control and be made economically productive.
“A.S.K property is public agricultural land and must be safeguarded as such. Counties should not allow land grabbers or other interests to take over these assets,” said Kagwe during the official opening of the 2025 A.S.K Kakamega Show.
The CS emphasized the need for counties to support the transformation of A.S.K grounds into income-generating, innovation-driven centers for agriculture, agribusiness, and youth empowerment. He further warned individuals and groups involved in illegal acquisition of public agricultural land that they will face legal consequences.
Kagwe also challenged extension officers and agripreneurs to embrace digital tools in service delivery, stressing that modern agriculture must be data-driven and tech-enabled. He cited soil testing, digitization of extension services, and real-time access to market and input information as essential pillars for increasing productivity.
The CS highlighted key government interventions under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), including distribution of subsidized fertilizer, increased crop and livestock productivity, revived sugar and tea sectors, and support for climate-smart agriculture.
He lauded the Agricultural Society of Kenya for launching its 2025–2029 Strategic Plan and encouraged the youth to actively engage in agribusiness and innovation showcased at ASK shows. Kagwe also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with counties and other partners to build resilient, commercially viable agriculture across the country.
