North Rift leaders vow to work as team

Mosop MP Kirwa Bitok addresses leaders from the North Rift region during a consultative meeting on Agriculture at Boma Inn Hotel in Eldoret. [PHOTO: PETER OCHIENG/STANDARD]

Uasin Gishu: Lack of proper co-ordination between the national and county governments is to blame for the woes facing farmers.

According to leaders from Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Elgeyo Marakwet and Trans Nzoia counties, lack of unity is affecting the farmers from the region, which is seen as the country's food basket.

The leaders have now agreed to work together and adopt a co-ordinated approach that will see the two levels of government play their roles to transform the sector and empower farmers in growing the economy.

They want the two levels of government to engage each other and ensure easy access to subsidised farm inputs including seeds and fertiliser by farmers and the purchase of maize after harvesting.

During the inter-county consultative meeting on agriculture initiated by Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, the leaders resolved to form strong cooperative societies that will assist farmers lobby for good market for their produce and also assist in value addition.

The meeting brought together Nandi Senator Stephen Sang, MPs Kirwa Bitok (Mosop), Alfred Keter (Nandi Hills), Trans Nzoia deputy governor Stanley Keney, and executives from the four counties.

field experts

The forum held in Eldoret also engaged top officials and experts in the dairy sector from New Kenya Cooperative Creameries, Kenya Seed Company, National Cereals and Produce Board, and the Agricultural Development Corporation.

In the recent past, farmers in the region have been a worried lot, with maize producers lacking appropriate market for the produce.

The farmers have raised concern over the little money channelled by the Government to the cereals board for the purchase of the maize. Tea farmers have also complained of declining tea bonus pay over the last few years.

"This region faces a serious challenge in Agriculture. Governors are pointing fingers at the ministry while the ministry is pointing at counties because it is a devolved function. There is need for all of us to sit and address the issue instead of trading accusations in public functions," said Senator Sang.

Mr Sang told stakeholders in the agricultural regions to come up with a well-researched paper with all concerns affecting farmers, which can be effectively addressed by the Government.

"The one-million acre Galana Kulalu irrigation project will have serious implications on small scale farmers and we need to prepare and put in place mechanisms to cushion our farmers," he said.

The senator said there is need for the ministry to increase resources for subsidising agriculture inputs. He also challenged county assemblies to fund the sector.

Mr Bitok said it is becoming more difficult to face the farmers due to the challenges they are facing, and the lack of answers for those problems.

He said the woes facing farmers, who have not been able to sell their maize, and added that the agriculture sector needs more funding.