This archive report was first published on 30 September 2019.
On September 27, 2019, Youth and Gender Affairs Cabinet Secretary Prof. Margaret Kobia emphasized the importance of agriculture in Kenya's economic growth during the handing over of farming equipment by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) to farmers in Meru County.
Prof. Kobia noted that the country's low economy growth is a major contributor to the high level of youth unemployment, with approximately 60% of the population being youth, of which 40% are not working.
She urged the youth to venture into sustainable agricultural activities, citing agribusiness as a viable alternative form of employment that can provide jobs and contribute to the country's economic growth.
Prof. Kobia also emphasized the need for the use of appropriate technology to produce competitive products, which can help build the economy and create more jobs.
She observed that any project geared towards the Big4 Agenda guarantees food security, which is essential for the country's development, and urged more women to join the agriculture sector.
North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood has also appealed to the national government to consider dispersing relief food to some areas of Meru County experiencing food shortage.
