Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has expressed his concerns regarding the underutilization of agricultural potential in coastal counties. He emphasized that this region possesses the ability to significantly enhance the production of essential crops and livestock products.
Kagwe highlighted that Lamu, Tana River, Kwale, Kilifi, and Taita Taveta can potentially triple or even quadruple their production of cassava, cotton, milk, meat, cashew nuts, and various other crops.
During the official opening of the 2026 ASK Mombasa International Show at Mkomani Showground, the CS called for a renewed focus on production, value addition, and improved market access.
“These counties hold the potential to not only triple but also quadruple the output of these products,” Kagwe affirmed.
The five-day show, scheduled from September 2 to 6, 2026, embraces the theme “Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth.”
Government Targets Four Counties
Kagwe announced that the government has initiated an economic revival plan specifically targeting Tana River, Kilifi, Kwale, and Taita Taveta to boost the production of regionally suited crops.
This plan aims to strengthen the production of cash crops and livestock while enhancing value addition to create more economic opportunities for local communities.
Mombasa and Lamu will play a vital role in providing processing, logistics, trade, and market access through their ports.
Kagwe emphasized that investments in agriculture should lead to job creation and wealth generation for households in the region.
He also underscored the importance of improving road and rail networks to strengthen connections between coastal counties and other parts of the country, facilitating the movement of agricultural produce and inputs.
Expansion of Cotton Production
The government has already seen a rise in cotton production, with the cultivated area increasing from 8,000 hectares in 2022 to approximately 18,000 hectares.
Kagwe noted that the focus will also include minimizing post-harvest losses and enhancing storage infrastructure.
Maize produced in the region is set to be stored at the National Cereals and Produce Board depot in Voi, Taita Taveta County, as part of efforts to reduce losses and enhance market access.
Bandari Sacco Chairman Moses Sirgoi pointed to ongoing investments in Lamu, including the port and an upcoming refinery, stating that these developments will create numerous opportunities for local residents.
“The investments made here will create jobs that remain in the community,” he affirmed.
Ports to Enhance Market Access
Kagwe stated that the ports of Mombasa and Lamu will be instrumental in connecting farmers and producers to broader markets.
The government plans to leverage the region’s transport infrastructure to facilitate the movement of agricultural products from production areas to processing and export points.
This strategy aims to link farmers in Tana River, Kilifi, Kwale, and Taita Taveta with markets while supporting processing activities in Mombasa and Lamu.
Kagwe assured that the revival program would focus on ensuring that the benefits of agricultural production, value addition, and trade are retained within the region.
The ASK Mombasa International Show gathered exhibitors from agriculture, livestock, trade, and related sectors, providing a valuable platform for showcasing technologies and initiatives aimed at enhancing agricultural production and trade.
