With the weatherman having predicted the onset of long rains around mid-March, farmers in Trans Nzoia County are currently busy preparing their farms in readiness for this year’s planting season.
A spot check by Kenya News Agency in several parts of the county confirmed several pre-planting season activities, especially by maize farmers.
These include clearing of bushes, ploughing farms, purchasing and stocking of farm inputs such as seeds and fertilisers.
Long queues have been witnessed at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Kitale depot, with a bigger percentage of farmers in the region jostling for the Government of Kenya (GoK) subsidised fertilizers.
The distribution of the government subsidised fertilizer began in January and was expected to be closed at the end of this month.
In order to ease transportation expenses, farmers in the region have a reason to smile following Governor George Natembeya’s timely directive on the same.
While having a sit together forum with a section of Wekhoya villagers, Sirende Ward in Kiminini Sub County Tuesday evening, Governor Natembeya disclosed he had tasked relevant officials to ensure the subsidised fertilizers were moved from the NCPB to the nearest collection points across the county.
“This move is aimed at not only easing transportation burden but more importantly reducing production costs to farmers, especially those from far flung areas,” the Governor noted.
The farmers will be able to collect the commodity at designated collection points in their respective wards.
“As a devolved unit, we are closely working with the national government to do all that is possible to reduce production expenses and scale up crop yield production from the farms,” remarked Natembeya.
KNA further established that several trucks had been deployed to expedite delivery of the fertilizers to farmers.
As one of his pillars in the 10 point manifesto agenda, the Governor has committed to achieving sustainable agricultural growth and transforming the agriculture sector in the region.
The county boss was accompanied by County Secretary Truphosa Amere, CECMS Samson Ojwang (Public Service Management), Phanice Khatundi (Agriculture), Boniface Wanyonyi (Finance), Dr Pepela Wanjala (Health), Patrick Gacheru (Water), Chief Officers Dr Emmanuel Wanjala and Dickson Wamocho, Chief of Staff Sammy Sichangi and area Member of County Assembly Alfed Waswa.
By Maurice Aluda
