Government’s approval rating soars on quality-based milk payment scheme

KENYA – Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Andrew Mwihia has emerged as one of Kenya’s top-performing Cabinet Secretaries, securing an approval rating of 80.9%, according to the latest Kenyatrack survey.

The report, conducted between November 5 and 25, 2024, evaluated the performance of 10,107 respondents across various sectors, highlighting Mwihia’s significant impact on Kenya’s agricultural landscape.

Mwihia’s elevated rating is largely attributed to his transformative initiatives aimed at promoting sustainable development and improving livelihoods.

Central to his success is the introduction of a quality-based payment system for dairy farmers. As reported by industry stakeholders, this system incentivizes higher milk quality, ensuring fairer earnings for producers.

This reform is further supported by the nationwide distribution of over 300 milk coolers, which has reduced post-harvest losses and fostered value addition in the dairy sector.

In a recent statement, Mwihia noted that his primary objective is to empower smallholder farmers.

“Our mission is to empower farmers, promote sustainability, and secure Kenya’s future through agriculture,” he said.

His efforts to champion climate-resilient farming techniques have helped farmers adapt to the impacts of climate change, thereby improving productivity and enhancing food security.

Additionally, Mwihia has played a crucial role in revitalizing Kenya’s coffee and cocoa industries. By focusing on production quality and expanding access to global markets, his initiatives have boosted farmers’ incomes and strengthened Kenya’s position in international trade.

Analysts have pointed out that his strategies emphasize the economic and cultural significance of these crops, contributing to their overall sustainability and profitability.

The CS’s contributions extend beyond agriculture. Under his leadership, strategic partnerships in key sectors such as leather, textiles, edible oils, land commercialization, and animal feed production have been established.

These collaborations, as noted by industry experts, have created employment opportunities and stimulated rural economic growth.

The Kenyatrack survey also highlighted the performance of other Cabinet Secretaries. Mining and Blue Economy CS Hassan Joho topped the rankings with an approval rating of 84.7%, praised for grassroots reforms, support for fisherfolk communities, and efforts to curb illegal mining.

Tourism and Wildlife CS Rebecca Miano followed closely with 82.7%, recognized for initiatives in tourism recovery and wildlife conservation. Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi (79.5 percent) and Lands CS Alice Wahome (79.0%) rounded out the top five.