Local administrators have been instructed to ensure all farmers in Trans Nzoia County are captured in the ongoing registration for the Kenya Subsidy fertilizers programme ahead of the exercise’s official national launch.
Area County Commissioner (CC) Mr. Mathias Rioba issued the directive on Wednesday in his boardroom when he presided over a planning meeting ahead of the official national launch of the fertilizer subsidy programme slated for 17th January 2023 in Trans Nzoia.
The meeting assembled various and relevant heads of departments drawn from both the national and county government.
CC Rioba expressed his gratitude toward the national government over the decision to conduct the national launch of the subsidy programme from Trans Nzoia County at the Agricultural Show of Kenya (ASK) Kitale grounds.
“Therefore, as a way of appreciating this kind gesture we urge our assistant chiefs, chiefs, village elders and relevant stakeholders to mobilize farmers in order to ensure all farmers of the County have been registered,” urged Rioba, adding distribution of subsidized fertilizers was aimed at reducing the cost of production.
In an official communique, the national government, through the Ministry of Interior, is currently registering farmers for GOK subsidy fertilizers ahead of the long rains and planting season.
The countrywide registration exercise, which kicked off on 4th January 2023, is being carried out by chiefs, assistant chiefs, nyumba kumi and village elders.
The fresh registration of farmers is expected to end on 14th January 2023.
“Any farmer who will miss out on this exercise will not be able to access subsidized fertilizers. Though we have been continuously registering farmers, however, the current registers we have will not be used to access the subsidized commodity,” read part of the communique.
The Head of State Dr. William Ruto is expected to preside over the planned national event.
By Maurice Aluda