Mudavadi calls for integration of technology in Agriculture

By Robert Mutasi 

Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has called for the inclusion of technology in the agricultural sector, right from the education system. 

While hosting former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair, Mudavadi said that technology-driven agricultural studies at the primary school level would help improve the uptake of modern farming methods across the country.

"For faster and more meaningful adoption of technology in agriculture, we need to develop a curriculum for primary school-going children and connect all 23,000 primary schools countrywide to the internet," Mudavadi said. 

He added that exposing young children to technology at an early age in schools would not only prepare the young Kenyan mind to face challenges but also bring innovations to agricultural and other key sectors.

During the meeting, Mudavadi congratulated the Government of Kenya on many transformational milestones that are happening within the agricultural sector, particularly in the registering of farmers, ensuring better provision of farm inputs.

"I pointed out, among other landmark achievements of the government, the registration of farmers that has transformed the delivery of critical inputs and boosted food production tremendously," Mudavadi said.

Its major strength lies in the registration program, which enables the efficient distribution of inputs like seeds and fertilizers, hence making food security a reality for the country.

Mudavadi has also blamed Kenya's advantage of having a youthful population, 70% of the total population, for not using that advantage in its push for technological integration.

"With Kenya's youthful population, I emphasized that, as far as the integration of technology in key sectors like agriculture, transport, security, and human rights is concerned, it is not only imperative for development but also likely to be taken in readily," he observed. 

Mudavadi expressed hope that with proper tools and training, young Kenyans would champion technological innovations that would bring much-needed advantages to the economy and overall development of the country.

However, Mudavadi still expressed caution over misusing technology in the spread of false information. 

"I noted the importance of responsible use of digital platforms, cautioning against the spread of misinformation and the misuse of technology as a tool for harm, a challenge we have witnessed both in Kenya and globally," he warned.

On the other hand, he advocated for a balanced approach that would achieve technological advancement but at the same time have controls in place for safeguarding the public good.