Mutahi Kagwe Profile: Here’s Nominated Agriculture CS’s Journey in Public Service and Politics

Nominated Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Mutahi Kagwe is no stranger to the political scene, having had an on-and-off public service career over the years.

If approved by Parliament, he will replace Dr. Andrew Mwihia Karanja, a native of Gatundu North Constituency, Kiambu County.

Early Life and Education

Raised in Mukurweini, Nyeri County, he attended Kihate Primary School and completed his O-levels at Kagumo High School.

He later joined the University of Nairobi, where he studied Insurance Law, before pursuing a Master’s in Business Administration at the United States International University.

Before venturing into politics, Mr. Kagwe worked at the Standard Group’s advertising department between 1987 and 1989.

He rose to become the commercial director before establishing an independent publishing house and later a public relations company.

Mutahi Kagwe’s Entry into Politics

In 2002, Mr. Kagwe entered politics, becoming the Mukurweini Constituency MP on a National Alliance Rainbow Coalition (Narc) ticket. During this term, he chaired the Parliamentary Committee on Finance, Trade, Tourism, and Planning.

Key Achievements as ICT Minister

Mr. Kagwe’s significant political break came in 2005 when former President Mwai Kibaki appointed him as Minister for Information Communication and Technology (ICT).

• Introduction of Fibre Optic Technology: He, alongside Dr. Bitange Ndemo, led Kenya’s transition from satellite technology to fibre optic, which reduced communication costs and increased internet speeds.
• The TEAMS Project: He spearheaded the construction of the East African Marine System (TEAMS), Eastern Africa’s first fibre optic project.
• Launch of M-Pesa: During his tenure, Safaricom launched M-Pesa, the first mobile money transfer system globally.

Mutahi Kagwe Exit from Politics

After losing his Mukurweini parliamentary seat in 2007 to Kabando wa Kabando, Mr. Kagwe stepped away from active politics. For the next five years, he remained out of the public eye.

In 2013, Mr. Kagwe returned to politics as the first Senator for Nyeri County under the Narc ticket.

Key Roles: He chaired the Senate Committee on Information and Technology and served on the Finance and Budget Committee.

Attempt for Nyeri Governorship

In 2017, Mr. Kagwe vied for the Nyeri gubernatorial seat under the Jubilee Party but was edged out by his opponents.

Other Public Roles

Mr. Kagwe stayed out of active politics until October 2019, when he was appointed to the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority (EPRA) board.

Return to Prominence

Before being nominated as Cabinet Secretary for Health by President Uhuru Kenyatta, Mr. Kagwe played a prominent role in a Mt. Kenya leaders’ meeting at Sagana State Lodge in October 2019.

Kagwe also served as the Health CS in the Republic of Kenya. He assumed office on 28 February 2020 after the docket was handed over to him by the previous cabinet secretary for Health, Sicily Kariuki.

He hit the airwaves at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic when the first case was confirmed in Nairobi on 12 March 2020

Should Parliament approve his nomination as Agriculture CS, Mutahi Kagwe will bring his wealth of experience in politics and public service to one of the most critical ministries in Kenya.

His journey reflects resilience and a commitment to public service.