CS Kagwe speaks out over rising unga prices
Kagwe stated that the government has put in place measures to curb any potential price hikes.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has moved to reassure Kenyans that the cost of unga will remain stable.
Addressing the public on May 5, Kagwe stated that the government has put in place measures to curb any potential price hikes.
He noted that the Ministry plans to tap into the national strategic reserves as a way of keeping flour prices in check.
"There’s no need to panic over a possible rise in Unga prices. We will ensure the prices remain stable by releasing stocks from the strategic reserves," Kagwe assured.
He added that the government has adequate reserves to keep the market steady.
The CS was addressing the press after the UNFSS+4 Africa Regional Summit held at the UNON Complex in Gigiri, Nairobi.
During the Summit, Kagwe outlined the vision for Africa’s food sovereignty.
Kagwe delivered a powerful call to action, underscoring the critical role of public-private partnerships in achieving food security.
"This is not just an economic issue—it is a moral one. Food is dignity, health, and the bedrock of every thriving society," he stated.
He urged African nations to adopt a unified, transformative vision for food sovereignty, stressing the need to shift from dependency to self-reliance through four key pillars: agro-processing and trade, climate finance, youth empowerment, and coherent policy frameworks.
"Africa must stop exporting raw commodities. By removing trade barriers and investing in infrastructure, we can build resilient value chains that stabilize food prices and create jobs," he said, citing the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a pivotal opportunity.
Addressing the escalating impact of climate change, Kagwe called attention to the plight of smallholder farmers and advocated for fair access to global climate finance.
Kagwe called for action over rhetoric, urging leaders to move beyond talk and deliver results.
"Let’s have an honest conversation about climate financing," he said.
"Africa deserves its fair share, so that our farmers can access adaptive technologies and renewable energy solutions."
With Africa home to the world’s youngest population, the CS underscored the pivotal role of youth and innovation in shaping the future of agriculture.
He championed digital farming tools and agritech startups as catalysts for transformation.
"The future of agriculture is youthful and digital. We must equip the next generation to lead it," Kagwe stated.
He also called for stronger policy alignment with continental frameworks such as the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the recent Kampala Post-Malabo Declaration, while reaffirming the importance of public-private partnerships in driving progress.
The Summit convened key stakeholders to evaluate Africa’s strides in transforming its food systems.
As a high-level platform, it reviewed progress since the 2021 UN Food Systems Summit, highlighted persistent challenges, and crafted strategies to build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable food systems across the continent.
The gathering also reaffirmed Africa’s dedication to food security and sustainability, shaping its collective input ahead of the UNFSS+4 Stocktake slated for July 2025 in Addis Ababa.