Cut down on rice imports to support local sector

Last week, we drove to Embu for the installation of Prof Paul Musili Wambua as chancellor of the University of Embu. I was thrilled that such a profound leader would now be in the driver’s seat of the young and promising university - Congratulations! My thrill was, however, disturbed when we drove past a small village near Sagana known as “munoa mana”.

The village’s name means ‘one who labours in vain’ in Kamba. This caused me to reflect deeply about the hundreds of rice farmers that we journeyed through Mwea. Many were spreading their rice and husks beside the road to dry and hopefully entice motorists to stop and purchase. Most farmers looked worn out and beaten, like their labours were definitely in vain.