Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Mutahi Kagwe has emerged as the best performing member of President William Ruto’s Cabinet, according to a new national survey released in 2026.
The poll, conducted by KenyaTrack between March 15 and April 10 across all 290 constituencies, gives Kagwe an impressive approval rating of 86.5 percent—placing him ahead of his peers in government.
A Strong Vote of Confidence
The survey reflects growing public approval of Kagwe’s leadership at the Ministry of Agriculture, where he has been credited with spearheading reforms aimed at boosting productivity, stabilising markets, and improving farmer incomes.
His performance puts him ahead of other top-ranking Cabinet Secretaries, including Rebecca Miano and Geoffrey Ruku, further cementing his position as a standout figure in the administration.
Driving Agricultural Transformation
Since assuming office, Kagwe has championed a results-driven agenda aligned with the government’s Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), positioning agriculture as a key pillar of Kenya’s economic growth.
Among his flagship initiatives is the promotion of local wheat production, aimed at reducing reliance on imports while supporting domestic farmers. He has also overseen the establishment of animal feed reserves, helping cushion farmers against fluctuating input costs.
In addition, the ministry has accelerated the adoption of climate-smart agriculture practices, enhancing resilience in a sector heavily affected by unpredictable weather patterns.
Reforms Reviving Key Sectors
Kagwe’s tenure has also seen renewed focus on reforms in the coffee and tea sectors—two of Kenya’s most important cash crops.
Policies targeting better pricing, value addition, and improved marketing systems are already showing signs of restoring farmer earnings and strengthening competitiveness in global markets.
These interventions have been widely welcomed by stakeholders, who say they mark a shift towards more sustainable and farmer-focused agricultural policies.
A Central Role in Economic Growth
The survey findings highlight a broader shift in how agriculture is being positioned within the national development agenda. Under Kagwe’s leadership, the sector is increasingly seen not just as a source of food, but as a driver of jobs, income, and economic stability.
Analysts note that sustained reforms in agriculture could have far-reaching impacts, particularly in rural areas where the majority of Kenyans depend on farming for their livelihoods.
