Govt Promotes Agriculture as Gateway to Jobs and Global Opportunities for Youth

The Cabinet Secretary of Agriculture says the government is working to transform agriculture into a more attractive and profitable venture for young Kenyans.

Speaking at the Kenya School of Agriculture’s Songambele Thika campus, Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the sector now offers a range of opportunities in innovation, agribusiness, exports and global exchange programs. He therefore asked young people to see agriculture not just as traditional farming but as a modern, dynamic sector capable of generating income and also creating jobs.

Since its launch in January 2024, the Competency-Based Education and Training (CBET) program has helped over 300 graduates from its first four cohorts secure employment abroad.

The graduates have found opportunities in the United Kingdom under the United Kingdom Seasonal Worker Scheme, a collaborative effort between the Kenyan and UK governments.

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CS Explains the CBET Programme

Kagwe highlighted that the CBET program focuses heavily on practical learning, with 80% of training devoted to hands-on skills and 20% to theoretical knowledge, followed by industrial attachment.

This approach, he said, ensures that young graduates are not only knowledgeable but also work-ready, with skills that meet both local and international standards.

To increase access to agricultural education, the government has also established satellite campuses in Ugenya and Anaibkoe, making it easier for youth from different regions to enroll in the program.

Students Advised To Embrace Agriculture

“Embracing agriculture today means embracing a sector that can create meaningful employment, raise household incomes, and strengthen Kenya’s food security”, Kagwe told the new cohort of students.

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With programs like CBET and international partnerships expanding opportunities, the government is sending a clear message. Agriculture is no longer just a traditional livelihood.

It is a gateway to innovation, global exposure and sustainable economic growth.

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Embracing agriculture today means embracing a sector that can create meaningful employment, raise household incomes, and strengthen Kenya’s food security” , Kagwe told the new cohort of students.
PHOTO/CS Agriculture X