'2017 re-election bids to be pegged on performance'

Emotions ran high at a North Rift consultative meeting in Eldoret when farmers accused elected leaders of failing to effectively articulate issues affecting them.

The enraged farmers said they have been forced to resort to demonstrations so that leaders can address problems facing agriculture.

The farmers warned that they are taking audit of all leaders, saying their re-election bids in the 2017 general elections will be pegged on their performance on issues touching on agriculture.

Thomas Korogoren, a local farmer, questioned the low budgetary allocation to the sector over the years. He wondered why MPs from agricultural region have not pressed for adequate allocation to agriculture during the national budget making process.

“We have been forced to demonstrate during every harvest season to force the Government to release funds for the purchase of produce. Our MPs should have addressed this,” He said.

Mr Korogoren cited demonstrations staged by farmers last year after Sh2.7 billion allocated for the Strategic Grain Reserves (SGR) was exhausted as farmers were still queuing to deliver maize produce to National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots.

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“Funding shortage led to several closures of depots by NCPB. We held three demonstrations that prompted the government to make additional allocations that totalled to Sh6.7 billion,” said Korgoren.

He said the demonstrations could have been avoided had legislators intervened and addressed the sector, which is their only source of livelihood.

            FARMERS’ INTERESTS

Moira Chepkok asked MPs to pass a supplementary budget to ensure that there is adequate funds ahead of this year’s harvesting season.

She also called for additional allocation to Agricultural Finance Corporation and Agricultural Development Corporation to ease access to credit facilities.

The farmers were making their presentations during a North Rift leaders and farmers' consultation meeting held in Eldoret town. They lauded efforts by MPs in the parliamentary agriculture committee Silas Tiren (Moiben) and Alfred Keter (Nandi Hills) in articulating farmers’ interests.

Governors Jackson Mandago (Uasin Gishu), Alex Tolgos (Elgeyo Marakwet), Cleophas Lagat (Nandi), Senator Isaac Melly (Uasin Gishu), MPs Silas Tiren (Moiben), Oscar Sudi (Kapseret), Elisha Busienei (Turbo), James Bett (Kesses). Wesley Korir (Cherangany), former MP Joel Barmasai, prominent farmers Jackson Kibor, Caleb Kositany and KFA Director Kipkorir Menjo attended the meeting.