Devolution good for farmers, says Principal Secretary Fred Sugor

Nyeri, Kenya: Policy, training and strategic issues, are the only functions left to be managed by the Ministry of Livestock and Fisheries, the Principal Secretary, Fred Sugor has said.

Prof Sugor said it is upon the respective counties to ensure the devolved functions are operationalised expeditiously for the benefit of the farmers.

Speaking when he visited the Kirinyaga Governor, Joseph Ndathi yesterday, Sugor said devolution would enhance agricultural development countrywide.

“Even pastoralists have been catered for under the devolved system and we are hopeful as the system takes root, even those who live in arid areas will soon start reaping the fruits of their labour.

IMPROVE PRODUCTION

The PS who was proceeding to preside over a graduation ceremony at the Animal Health and Industry Training Institute, said the dairy sector in the area almost outsmarted the coffee sector with an annual return of Sh 2.5 billion as compared to coffee’s Sh 3.5 billion and urged the farmers to take advantage and improve production.

Milk production in the county stands at 77 million litres per year, according to the County Director of Agriculture, John Gachingiri.

Gachingiri, however, decried inadequate resources to cope with occasional outbreaks of livestock diseases which he said poses a big challenge to the livestock sector.

Ndathi complained about the huge number of staff devolved to the county yet he only receives Sh3.1 billion meant to cater for recurrent and development expenditure.