Ministry says regulations underway to protect farmers from exploitation

Jackson Kwambai harvests maize at a farm in Kabomoi village, Uasin Gishu County, on 17 October 2018. [Kevin Tunoi, Standard]

Farmers will be paid promptly for produce delivered to traders and firms once new regulations are complete.

The national government is finalising the regulations that will enforce prompt payments.

According to Trade Cabinet Secretary Peter Munya, most farm produce supplied to outlets such as supermarkets and other chain stores is not paid for promptly, leading to accumulation of money owed to farmers.

“There are numerous issues touching on retailers. Farmers have been complaining of non-payment for products supplied. This challenge will soon be a thing of the past when we finalise the regulations,” said Mr Munya during a familiarisation tour of New Kenya Co-operatives Creameries (KCC) and Rivatex Company in Eldoret last weekend.

He accused some retailers of taking advantage of farmers' efforts by engaging in speculative buying.

Fair share

“Most retailers and chain shops have a tendency of reaping before closing shop along the way, making it impossible for suppliers to get their fair share. As a ministry we will ensure that we put limits on how long the farmers can wait before they are paid,” he said.

The CS said his ministry was encouraging suppliers to take insurance for their products to be cushioned if their enterprises went into liquidation.

He said it would be impossible to ban imports but stressed the need to ensure that consumers were protected from sub-standard goods.

“The Government cares about the consumer and wants to tighten standards besides providing value addition to protect local industries."

Munya said the Government was keen on promoting pre-shipment inspection in the country of origin and was encouraging co-ordination between players.