Over the last two years as Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua has positioned himself as the pivotal force behind several reforms in the Agriculture sector, all of which are directly impacting the livelihoods of Mt Kenya region residents.

In June 2023, the DP vowed to dismantle unscrupulous business cartels in the tea and coffee sectors, a venture he has been actively involved with to date. These efforts have led to significant reforms in the coffee sector, resulting in better pay for coffee farmers, including the allocation of a Coffee Cherry Fund worth 4 billion Kenyan shillings.

Additionally, reforms in the tea sector have similarly improved farmer earnings, along with the introduction of additional bonuses.

The Deputy President has also addressed the payment issues in the milk industry which has farmers currently receiving fair compensation of Ksh 50 per liter, up from Ksh 35. Furthermore, he has resolved challenges related to avocado farming and boosted the price of macadamia nuts to Ksh 120 per kilogram, up from Ksh 70.

On the region’s moral fabric, Gachagua has taken a firm stance against the proliferation of illicit brews and drug abuse in the region. This advocacy is bearing fruits and has seen the passing of county alcoholic bills across the region’s ten counties. The bill aims to curb the consumption of harmful substances and protect the youth from exploitation and addiction.