Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has been appointed Chair of the Council of Patron Ministers for Strengthening Agricultural Research in Eastern and Central Africa. He takes over from his Ugandan counterpart.

On the sidelines of the meeting currently in Nairobi, the Ministry of Agriculture CS met his counterparts from Uganda and Somalia.

The CS held bilateral talks with Somalia’s Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Hon. Zahra Yusuf Ige where the pair spoke on the importance of enhancing Miraa trade between the two nations.

The two agricultural ministers also addressed the existing challenges in the trade and explored opportunities for mutual benefit. 

Hon. Mithika assured Hon. Zahra of the Kenya Kwanza government’s commitment to ensuring quality Miraa exports to Somalia. The government is also keen on seeking avenues to expand market access and boost trade volumes.

The CS then met with the Ugandan Minister of Agriculture, Animal Industry and Fisheries, Hon. Frank Tumwebaze. Their talks centered on cooperation in vaccine distribution to combat prevalent diseases within Uganda’s borders.

Both Kenya and Uganda expressed their recognition of the importance of equitable vaccine access to safeguard public health and promote regional stability.

This collaboration underscored the commitment of both countries to address health challenges collectively and enhance regional health security.