Agriculture CS urges counties to protect ASK lands against grabbers, encroachment

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has firmly directed county governments across the country to protect Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) parcels of lands from encroachment and land grabbers.

Speaking during the official opening of the 2025 ASK Kakamega show, Kagwe stressed that the property must remain under ASK’s control and be made economically productive.

Kagwe noted that ASK property is public agricultural land and must be safeguarded as such noting that Counties should not allow land grabbers or other interests to take over these assets.

The CS emphasised the need for counties to support the transformation of ASK grounds into income-generating, innovation-driven centers for agriculture, agribusiness, and youth empowerment.

He further warned individuals and groups involved in the illegal acquisition of public agricultural land that they will face legal consequences.

Kagwe said many people were already developing appetites for ASK land parcels and warned that the long arm of the law will soon catch up with them.

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He underscored the importance of maintaining these properties under ASK’s stewardship and ensuring their economic productivity.

“Individuals and groups involved in illegal acquisition of public agricultural land will face legal consequences.”

“Agricultural Society of Kenya property is public agricultural land and must be safeguarded as such. Counties should not allow land grabbers or other interests to take over these assets.”

The CS also challenged extension officers and agripreneurs to embrace digital tools in service delivery, stressing that modern agriculture must be data-driven and tech-enabled.

He cited soil testing, digitization of extension services, and real-time access to market and input information as essential pillars for increasing productivity.

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The CS highlighted key government interventions under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), including the distribution of subsidised fertilizer, increased crop and livestock productivity, revived sugar and tea sectors, and support for climate-smart agriculture.

He lauded the Agricultural Society of Kenya for launching its 2025–2029 Strategic Plan and encouraged the youth to actively engage in agribusiness and innovation showcased at ASK shows.

Kagwe also reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with counties and other partners to build resilient, commercially viable agriculture across the country.

Meanwhile ASK Kisumu regional show Chairman George Ongudi has lauded the stand taken by the CS over their parcels of land.

Ongudi who was at the show in Kakamega said many such parcels have become the target of land sharks for many years. “We laud Kagwe for the firm stand he has taken over the issue ‘he said.

By Fredrick Odiero

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