Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe has firmly directed county governments across the country to protect the Agricultural Society of Kenya (A.S.K) parcels of land from encroachment and land grabbers.
Speaking during the official opening of the 2025 ASK Kakamega show, CS Kagwe stressed that the property must remain under ASK’s control and be made economically productive.
“ASK property is public agricultural land and must be protected as such. Counties should not permit land grabbers or other interests to take over these assets,” Kagwe stated.
He emphasised the need for countries to support the transformation of ASK grounds into income-generating, innovation-driven centres for agriculture, agribusiness, and youth empowerment.
He further warned individuals and groups involved in the illegal acquisition of public agricultural land that they will face legal consequences.
Long Arm of the Law
Kagwe said many people were already developing appetites for ASK land parcels and warned that the long arm of the law would soon catch up with them.
He underscored the importance of maintaining these properties under ASK’s stewardship and ensuring their economic productivity.
“Individuals and groups involved in illegal acquisition of public agricultural land will face legal consequences.”
CS 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, digitisation 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 the distribution of subsidised fertiliser, increased crop and livestock productivity, revived sugar and tea sectors, and support for climate-smart agriculture.
Agricultural Society’s Strategic Plan
He lauded the ASK 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.
Meanwhile, ASK Kisumu regional show Chairman George Ongudi has lauded the stand taken by the CS over their parcels of land.
Ongudi, who was present at the ASK Kakamega Show, said many such parcels have become the target of land sharks for many years.
“We laud Mr Kagwe for the firm stand he has taken on the issue”, he said.
