The Government will in the next one week release Sh1 billion to clear outstanding debts owed to maize farmers, a Cabinet secretary has said. Speaking in Endebess during his maiden visit to Kenya's bread breadbasket, of North Rift, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri said the Government underestimated the amount of maize due for delivery leading to the delay. 

Mr Kiunjuri visited Trans Nzoia and Uasin Gishu counties, where hundreds of farmers lined up to deliver grain to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB). Farmers are yet to receive payment for maize delivered last season.  High cost “In the past few years, (farmers) have been delivering 2.5 million bags, but this time around, they delivered 3.2 million bags,” said the CS who had earlier held a meeting with Trans Nzoia Governor Patrick Khaemba. The farmers among other grievances complained of delays by NCPB in accepting their grain and the high cost of input such as fertiliser. "(NCPB) officials have told us that there is no space in the depot yet there is no other place that we could deliver. The Government should hasten to clear the maize by distributing into other NCPB stores in dry areas to allow us make prompt deliveries of maize," said George Ng'elechei a farmer in Kapseret.