We've no school fees, say maize farmers

Many maize farmers ushered in the New Year with disappointment.

The farmers are faced with the challenge of raising fees because the Government has not started buying this season's maize, which most of the parents depend to raise money to pay fee for their children.

The delay in buying the crop has put most parents in the county in an awkward situation as schools are set to re-open tomorrow.

For the past few months, there have been protest from maize farmers over Government delay in opening the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to enable them deliver their produce.

The schools are set to re-open and we have no money. We expected the Government to buy our maize so that we can raise fee, but this has not happened,’’ lamented Fredrick Rono, a farmer.

He said that many parents are frustrated and accused the Government of failing the farmers.

Tom Nyagechanga said it will be difficult for parents to send their children to school due to lack of fees.

He said lack of market for the produce has hampered money flow in the county and criticised the Government for letting down farmers.

"Most parents raise money by selling maize to the NCPB. Schools are re-opening and parents have no money to pay fee. This situation is frustrating,’’ said Nyagechaga.

Job Tallam, another farmer, said it is disappointing that the Government is not in hurry to buy maize knowing well most rely on the sale of the crop to support education of their children.

"We are worried that our children may miss school. We don’t have money since the Government is not ready to buy our maize,’’ protested Tallam.

Parents with children reporting to Form One are most hit as they are supposed to meet high cost of school requirements.

"I have tried to sell part of the maize to raise fee for my children but the prices are discouraging and there is no market,’’ Grace Simiyu said.

Maize prices have dropped since harvesting kicked off last October as the NCPB remain closed.

A spot-check by The Standard learnt that the prices has dropped from Sh1,900 to Sh1,200 per 90kg bag.