Maize farmers have raised concerns over Government delays in implementing the recommendations of a task force established last year to look into the crisis facing the maize sub-sector.
The task force, created by President Uhuru Kenyatta and chaired by Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, presented its report early this year to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri.
However, the Government is yet to take any action.
Sanity needed
The Ministry of Agriculture is now being blamed for the delay, with Uasin Gishu County Senator Margaret Kamar saying farmers have a right to complain since some sanity is needed in the maize sub-sector.
She said another ad hoc Senate committee on maize had made recommendations to help strengthen the maize sub-sector. Prof Kamar, who co-chaired the committee with her Bungoma counterpart Moses Wetangula, said its proposals are also yet to be adopted by the ministry.
Among the team’s recommendations was to have the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) purchase maize early from farmers for storage at the Strategic Food Reserve (SFR).
The committee had also proposed the restructuring and funding of the NCPB to make it an autonomous body so that it can independently raise money to buy maize from farmers and sell it to millers.
They had also called for a review of the NCPB Act and the Public Finance Management (SFR Trust Fund) regulations.
These laws were to be realigned with the mandates of county governments.
“We have raised crucial issues, including the repair and reopening of silos in preparation to receive maize from farmers,” said Kamar.
“On October 16, I raised questions in the House demanding to know the financial status of the cereals board, but I am yet to get an answer.”
The committee noted agriculture is a devolved function and recommended a stronger cereals board to work effectively with devolved units.
Public hearings
Kamar said Mr. Kiunjuri is yet to give a response to the committee’s recommendations, adding that he has been invited to the Senate to clear the matter next week.
The Senate committee held public hearings in Uasin Gishu, Nandi, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia and Nyamira, among other counties.
Kipkorir Menjo, the head of the Kenya Farmers Association North Rift region, said farmers usually give very good suggestions but they end up being ignored by the Government.
“Task forces formed to collect views make good recommendations only for the ministry to fail in implementing these views. This keeps the cycle of problems revolving,” he said.
When sought for comment, Kiunjuri said he was out of office and would only be able to respond today.
