President William Ruto has nominated Dr. Andrew Mwihia Karanja from Gatundu North as the new Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development. This nomination comes at a crucial time when the country is seeking to enhance food security and improve the livelihoods of farmers and livestock producers.
Dr. Karanja brings over 35 years of experience in the public sector, both locally and internationally, in the fields of agriculture, rural development, and finance. He began his career as an extension officer at the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development and later served as a Planning Officer in the same ministry. His extensive background includes roles such as Senior Agricultural Economist and Head of the Economics Department at the Coffee Research Foundation (CRF), where he contributed significantly to the reform of the coffee industry in the 1990s.
Throughout his career, Dr. Karanja has been involved in various capacities, including working with the Cocoa Board of Ghana, the International Coffee Organization (ICO), and the Intra-Africa Coffee Organization. He has also served as a researcher at the Tegemeo Policy Research Institute, focusing on the liberalization of the dairy industry. His work with international organizations such as the World Bank, African Development Bank, USAID, and the European Union has further solidified his reputation as a leading expert in agricultural policy and rural development.
The Kenya Livestock Producers Association (KLPA) has lauded President Ruto’s decision, highlighting Dr. Karanja’s deep understanding of the agricultural sector and his ability to navigate the complexities of public service. The association expressed confidence that his appointment would bring much-needed reforms and innovations to the ministry, particularly in enhancing the value chains from farm to fork.
Dr. Karanja’s nomination is seen as a strategic move to align with the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which prioritizes agriculture as a key pillar for economic stability and growth. His extensive network and experience with development partners are expected to play a crucial role in driving the ministry’s agenda forward. As Dr. Karanja steps into his new role, he faces the challenge of addressing critical issues such as access to quality and affordable farm inputs, improving
