Farmers receive free fertilizer in Bungoma

BUNGOMA, KENYA: More than 5,000 farmers in Bumula Constituency are set to receive free top-dressing fertilisers from the County Government of Bungoma.

Governor Ken Lusaka, who is leading the exercise, said it is meant to make Bungoma a food secure county, and better the living standards of the less fortunate in the society.

"In the wake of food shortage that has led to high prices, all eyes are now on Bungoma, one of Kenya's key food baskets. Hopefully, by next year, we will have a surplus," the Governor said at Kabula.

The distribution of free top-dressing comes barely a month after the Government distributed free planting fertilisers to more than 50,000 residents of Bungoma, translating to atleast 700 farmers a ward.

Today's distribution covered Kabula, South Bukusu, Khasoko, Bumula, West Bukusu, Kimaeti and Siboti. All constituencies in Bungoma are expected to receive the crucial farm input. 

According to Governor Lusaka, the free inputs supply kicked off in 2013 with the distribution of the commodity to 200 farmers a ward. This was increased to 400 in 2016 before it was expanded to 700 this year.

"It is a dream that must come true; that of making Bungoma a fully independent country in terms of food supply. I expect this distribution to rise to 1,000 farmers a Ward next year," he said.