Murang’a County Government in collaboration with Institute for Culture and Ecology (ICE) and partners has enacted into law The Murang’a Agroecology Policy 2022-2032 and The Murang’a County Agro Ecology Development Act, 2022.
The Act promotes use of organic farming practices and production of organic products. The county recognizes that by eating healthy, the residents will lead a healthy and productive life.
Speaking during the launching and signing of the regulations on Thursday at Ihura Stadium in Murang’a town, Deputy Governor Stephen Munania said that Murang’a Agroecology Policy and Act has been put in place to provide for the regulations, development and promotion of organic food industry in the county.
“The residents are going to benefit from the education in organic farming to ensure that their products are not only healthy but can also be marketed and sold worldwide, in countries that depends on organic products as part of their daily sustainable agriculture,” said Munania.
The Deputy Governor said under the leadership of Governor Dr. Irungu Kang’ata, the county government will ensure that residents will benefit in the ten-year framework that is set aside to ensure that organic farming is practiced in the county.
He said that the enactment of the two legislations has placed the county among the leading actors committed to developing favorable legal frameworks for guiding the implementation of agroecology practices that will support the adoption to climate change and enhance sustainable and resilient food systems.
“The county is working towards becoming a centre of excellence for agroecology and promoting healthy eating among its people, ” he said adding that Murang’a Agroecology Policy and Act is the first to be enacted in Kenya.
“By signing this Agroecology policy and Act, we are showing concern for our people since it will be of importance in encouraging farmers to grow healthy crops hence will lower the medical cost,” he said
He urged every Murang’a resident to adhere to the Act saying that by doing this it will enable the county promote agro ecological ways of food production and marketing
On his part, the Executive Director of Institute for Culture and Ecology (ICE) Martin Muriuki said that the institution has partnered with the county government in delivering a process for development of agro ecology policy and Act.
“We have partnered also with other stakeholders in Murang’a for capacity building of the farmers and the community through public participation for this ACT to be passed,” he said adding that it will promote sustainable farming, conserve the environment and enhance food security in the county.
Muguru ward MCA Moses Muchiri who was present affirmed the County Assembly’s support of the agro ecology policy and Act adding: “This framework will ensure the county has a legal framework at a policy and Act level to adequately fund organic farming,” he said
Muchiri encouraged the youth to invest in agro ecology farming because they can make a living out of it. “Besides being a member of the county assembly, I am also a farmer. I practice beekeeping, “he said, adding that bees play a key part in the farming ecological system through cross pollination.
Other partners include World Vegetable Center, PELUM Association Biodiversity and Biosafety Association Kenya (BIBA K), Veggies 4 Planet & People, Bio vision, Organic Agriculture Centre of Kenya, African Biodiversity Network and SVN.
By Anita Omwenga and Lawrence Munyaka
