President Uhuru Kenyatta on Thursday urged the youth, especially at the Coast, to adopt agribusiness.
Uhuru said the Coast region has for decades relied on cashew nut and mango farming but these have been hampered by pests, specifically food flies.
"Worryingly, we have a self-imposed ban on the export of mangoes due to the food flies," he said.
The head of state spoke while opening the 2019 ASK Mombasa International Show.
He directed state agencies such as the Kenya Agricultural and Research Institute, and the Agriculture and Food Authority to find ways to eradicate the food flies, which have been destroying mango trees.
He said his administration is keen to support the youth and encourage them to engage in agriculture. Uhuru also wants more women empowered to join the agricultural sector.
He said financial institutions such as Equity Bank and Kenya Commercial Bank should help the government to promote agriculture by financing the youth and women in different ventures.
He called for more private sector players to complement the government in encouraging the youth to get into agribusiness.
"Young people are the most important resources for the future of the agricultural sector."
Last year, the sector was the highest contributor to the GDP at 32 per cent. In the current financial year, the Agriculture ministry received an increased budgetary allocation of Sh48.5 billion.
The ministry, Uhuru noted, will get increasing budgetary allocation because it is the most crucial in achieving food security, one of the pillars in the Big Four Agenda.
"No Kenyan should suffer due to hunger," Uhuru said.
He said his administration has developed a 10-year comprehensive Agriculture Sector Growth Strategy (2019-29) to support farming and ensure more primary production and value addition.
The strategy encourages a shift in eating habits among Kenyans.
"Counties should domesticate this strategy," Uhuru urged.
He reiterated his commitment to harnessing the blue economy and reviving the fishing and shipping industry.
(Edited by F'Orieny)
