Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has urged the national government to provide more support to farmers to enhance food security in the county. Speaking during the second day of the free seed's distribution under the County Government of Trans Nzoia's Mbegu Innovative Program in Saboti Sub-County, Governor Natembeya emphasized the need for the government to facilitate farmers to ensure the country is food secure.
Governor Natembeya, addressing gatherings in Gitwamba, Muroki, and Machewa areas, challenged the national government to support farmers with free fertilizer. "As I am giving out free seeds, the national government should be supporting the farmers with free fertilizer," he stated. He expressed concern that farmers' efforts to boost food production have not been reciprocated by the government, especially regarding the prices of farm produce and the importation of farm produce from neighbouring countries.
With the launch of the Mbegu initiative last year, farmers in the county have recorded a significant increase in the number of 90kg bags of maize compared to previous years. Governor Natembeya believes that with a little more support, farmers will be able to produce more than enough for the country.
Governor Natembeya also commented on the working relationship between President Dr. William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga, stating that their unity does not bring any gains to the people of the country. He emphasized the need for the country to uphold the rule of law and the constitution, where election winners should form the government and work for the people, while the opposition should put the government in check. "A country without an opposition is not safe," he added.
Governor Natembeya criticized the national government for derailing devolution, citing challenges in the health sector due to delayed disbursement of funds to the county government. He mentioned that even the funds owed by hospital insurance schemes, including the defunct NHIF and SHA, have derailed service delivery in the county health sector. "Recently, the national government devolved the KERRA roads to the county government but continued withholding the funds. What was the essence of devolving it in the first place if they don't want to release the money?" Natembeya questioned.
Trans Nzoia County CEC for Agriculture, Phanice Naliaka Khatundi, announced that her department has set aside 100 million shillings for the Mbegu program, aiming to reach over 200,000 vulnerable and small-scale farmers with free seeds. Khatundi highlighted the positive impact of the Mbegu initiative on small-scale farmers despite the high cost of fertilizer. She cautioned the public against selling the free seeds donated to them and encouraged them to plant the seeds during the upcoming long rains to produce food for their families. Khatundi promised to invest more in farmers' needs through other departmental programs.
"This year the County government department of Agriculture has partnered with Kenya Seed Company in the free seed distribution by Planting the Kenya Seed's Hybrid maize seeds of the H 6213, H513 and H516 a farmers will be able to harvest up to 54 bags of 90 Kilograms per acre" Khatundi said
Trans Nzoia County Assembly Deputy Speaker Obed Mwale Mahanga, Saboti Ward representative Bonface Cheloti and his Machewa counterpart Kisiang'ani Wambwa, Chief Officers Sammy Sichangi (Governance), Joseph Wasike (Roads) and Patrick Osoro (Agriculture)Dr. Emmanuel Wanjala Agriculture, among other County and National government’s officials were in attendance.
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