Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has decried the rising cases of farm produce and livestock theft, warning that the vice is threatening farmers’ livelihoods and Kenya’s food security.
Speaking in Nyeri, Kagwe said rampant theft of crops such as coffee, macadamia, and avocados has caused major losses, with criminals even cutting down entire trees and coffee bushes to steal produce.
“We have farmers losing everything overnight from milk to macadamia nuts because of reckless theft that destroys years of hard work,” said the CS. “Why cut down a tree when you can harvest it again tomorrow?”
Kagwe revealed that his ministry is working closely with county administrations to enhance security for farmers, including a proposal to revive the disbanded Agricultural Police Unit.
He also warned farmers against engaging in coffee hawking, saying the illegal trade fuels theft and distorts prices. “Coffee hawking, especially in bars and entertainment joints, is criminal and undermines our coffee industry,” he said.
The CS urged factory managers and local authorities to be vigilant, noting suspiciously large coffee deliveries from farmers with small farms.
Nyeri Senator Wahome Wamatinga linked the growing farm theft cases to youth unemployment, urging families to engage young people in agriculture to turn their energy towards productivity rather than crime.
