By Our Reporter
University Education and Research Principal Secretary Amb Simon Nabukwesi has encouraged the youth to think positively about venturing into agricultural activities as a means of improving the country’s economy as well as creating self-employment and job opportunities.
Amb Nabukwesi said Africa, more so Kenya, can borrow practices from countries such as Egypt and Israel, which despite having harsh weather conditions are able to produce enough food for both internal consumption and export therefore transforming agriculture into a major contributor
to their countries economic growth.
The PS was speaking at Muranga University of Science and Technology while on an inspection visit of complete government sponsored projects.
The PS said apart from agricultural food produce, Kenya also has a rich production of beef and dairy products which can be exported to nations such Democratic Republic of Congo and those in the Middle East.
He encouraged the youth to be innovative and take advantage of unexplored areas in agriculture which can be turned into a noble profession and provide them with income.
Amb Nabukwesi also visited Murang’a university campus at Mariira, a former farmers training center, Kenyatta farmers institute which is earmarked for enrolling second (2nd) year students pursuing Bachelor of Arts (BA) Agriculture.
Murang’a University Vice Chancellor Prof Danson Nyariki said the new campus at Mariira will boost economic activity in the area once the students begin using the facility which is about 40km from the main campus.
He said the idea of establishing the campus is to sensitize the youth on the economic benefits of engaging in agriculture with the view of enhancing food security.
Earlier, the PS inspected a science complex constructed at a cost of Sh4 million, science laboratories constructed at a cost of Sh50 million and the students’ hostel with a bed occupancy of 520 constructed at a cost of Sh200 million.
Amb Nabukwesi was accompanied by the Director University Education Mr Darius Ogutu Mogaka and other ministry officials. The team later planted trees at the Miriira campus and the main university as a gesture towards environment conservation and improving the country’s forest cover.
