Senate faults State for 'neglecting' agriculture sector

Nairobi, Kenya: Senate has faulted the two levels of Government for failing to comply with the Maputo Declaration, which requires that at least 10 per cent of national revenue is allocated to agriculture.

The Senate committee on Agriculture yesterday expressed concern that the national government had only given four per cent of its revenue to agriculture.

Senators Kiraitu Murungi (Meru), Henry ole Ndiema (Trans Nzoia), Otieno Kajwang' (Homa Bay) and Peter Mositet (Kajiado) noted that despite agriculture being the backbone of the country's economy, there was no commitment to addressing the challenges faced.

The legislators said cash crops such as coffee, tea and horticultural produce were under threat and the Government should ensure farmers are properly resourced.

"The Government should take agriculture seriously, just like it does national security. We have experienced cycles of drought and famine over the years because the pledges made have remained lip service.

"We want a food-secure country by 2017. This is an ambitious target but it can be achieved if resources are allocated to the sector," said Kiraitu, who is the committee chairman.

Mositet noted that countries that have attained the 10 per cent allocation like Nigeria were making good process in the sector. Kajwang' advised the two tiers of Government to learn from countries like China and India, which have high populations but have been able to feed their citizens and remain with a surplus.