Gachagua: We Will Recall Ambassadors Who Fail to Secure New Markets for Kenya's Produce

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has said ambassadors appointed by the Kenya Kwanza administration will sign agreements requiring them to secure new markets for Kenya’s agricultural produce.

The deputy president says the diplomats will be given two years to meet this target, failure to which they will be recalled from their tour of duty.

Gachagua, who was speaking at the Nairobi International Trade Fair on Thursday, said President Ruto’s foreign policy will be centered on agri-business, where 70 percent of the responsibilities of ambassadors will be to find markets for Kenya’s produce.

“We are going to have a paradigm shift in our foreign policy. Indeed, we have agreed that all the ambassadors and High Commissioners who will be appointed will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with us for two years on what we expect them to do in terms of enlarging markets and creating markets,” said Gachagua.

“Those who are unable to deliver will be recalled back home to start farming with the other farmers here.”

He said the move is part of the Kenya Kwanza administration’s bid to ensure farmers get value for their hard work, enhance foreign exchange, and create jobs.

“For all our ambassadors and high commissioners, 70 percent of their work will be to look for new markets for our agricultural produce while expanding the existing markets. We are looking forward to [making] agricultural produce and products more competitive globally,” he added.