By Viola Chepkemoi
Dr. Mukhisa Kituyi, the former Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), is trading high-level diplomacy for the rich soil of Bungoma County. In an exclusive interview with Africa On Go Media, Kituyi revealed his hands-on return to farming, not just as an advocate for sustainable development, but as a direct participant in transforming Kenya's agricultural landscape from the ground up.
"I wanted to demonstrate that we can restore dignity to farming," Dr. Kituyi explained. His move, he emphasizes, was intentional – a deliberate choice to lead by example and challenge the perception that farming is a last resort. For him, agriculture is more than just a livelihood; it's a lifestyle and a powerful political statement. He passionately urges young Kenyans to view farming not as a sign of failure, but as a frontier brimming with possibilities.
Kituyi shared valuable insights gleaned from his own farming experiences. He highlighted the critical need for discipline and robust support systems in fish farming, emphasized the importance of value addition in coffee production, and called for significant policy reforms in the sugarcane industry.
He also strongly encourages farmers to embrace innovation and self-reliance. As a prime example, he points to avocado farming as a promising avenue for both young people and smallholder farmers to achieve economic success.
Dr. Kituyi's message culminates in a powerful call to action: "If we keep waiting on the government, we’ll keep complaining. The future is for those who act, adapt, and innovate." His journey serves as a compelling testament to the potential within Kenya's agricultural sector, urging individuals to take charge of their own destinies and cultivate a brighter future for the nation.
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