Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has made it clear that the envoys to be selected will have their work cut out. The Deputy President has insinuated that the Ambassadors and High commissioners will sign performance contracts with the government on what they are expected to deliver within two years. Should they miss the targets, then they risk being recalled.

Key among what they are expected to do, according to Mr Gachagua is to seek international markets for Kenya’s agricultural produce by creating links where none exist and enlarging the existing ones. He says this will add value to Kenya’s products on the international market.

“Increasing agricultural activities and enhanced trade is our strategy to turn around the economy and improve our people’s quality of life and dignity”, DP Gachagua said as he officially opened the 2022 Nairobi International Trade Fair.

The Deputy President also used the platform to outline what the Kenya Kwanza government has in store for the kenyan farmers in a bid to increase their productivity. He disclosed that the government, with support from World Bank, is implementing the Climate Smart Agricultural project in 24 counties over a 5-year period with the objective of increasing agricultural productivity

DP Gachagua added that the government has committed Sh.3B to implement the crop insurance program whose objective is to manage risks and agriculture which according to the DP, the project has covered 1.3M farmers in 37 counties to date.

In addition, the Deputy President also took issue with former Kenya Tea Development Agency’s former directors, whom he accused of sabotaging the new directors in order to destabilize reforms in the sector.

“Government will not allow anyone to destabilise reforms in the tea sector. The attempt by former directors to take over KTDA HQ is the highest form of impunity.” Said the Deputy President.