Rice farmers protest alleged misuse of cash in Nyando Constituency

Rice farmers at West Kano Irrigation Scheme demonstrate after the scheme management allegedly misappropriated Sh100 million revolving fund, stalling operations within the scheme. PHOTO BY KEVINE OMOLLO/STANDARD

Nyando: About 2, 500 acres of rice farms in West Kano Irrigation Scheme may not be cultivated after planting in nine out of the 12 rice blocks failed to kick off due to lack of operation funds.

Farmers have alleged that over Sh100 million revolving fund, which has been available for land preparation and acquisition of farm inputs, has been squandered by the scheme managers, leading to the delay of disbursement of funds.

Yesterday some of the over 1, 200 farmers within the scheme, which covers Kobura and Kabonyo, took to the street to demand for the arrest and probe of the fund managers. The farmers were, however, locked out of the fund management offices at Kabonyo in Nyando Constituency, with the guards telling them that the officers were not in.

According to the farmers, after every harvest, they deposit money with the scheme and it is kept for the operations in the following planting season. However, in 2009, the dwindling financial state of the scheme was boosted by the Government when it gave the scheme Sh68 million. The money was added to the over Sh20 million which was in the system by then. The money would be loaned to farmers to undertake farming operations, but be refunded after harvesting.

Speaking to the media during the demonstration, Ochieng Odindo said the fund managers have been avoiding farmers after it emerged that there was no funds for operations.

"We started suspecting misuse of the revolving funds in 2013 when the delays in services started. Farmers would apply for the services and farm inputs, but wait for longer time before the same is availed," Mr Odindo said.

The farmers have had to use their own money to secure land preparation services and buy farm inputs.

"It is unfortunate that this is the only source of employment to most people from Nyando and its collapse will be a big blow to us. Children taken to school through this project will drop out, while youths will engage in crime as an alternative source of income," said Paul Ogalo, another farmer.

Scheme Manager George Okaka, however, dismissed claims of fund misuse.

"The said funds are always given in terms of services. Once the farmers harvest, they are supposed to return the money, but we have had a big challenge as most farmers do not return the money," Mr Okaka said.

The National Irrigation Board (NIB) has, however, launched an investigation into the matter, with an audit firm contracted to investigate the fund management. Scheme NIB Officer in charge Kennedy Ouma said an annual general meeting will be held after the completion of the audit to share the results with the farmers.

"The management of the fund is put in office by farmers and I cannot comment about the matter at this time. But by next week we expect the audit report to be out and we will move from that point," Mr Ouma said.