WFP contracts maize farmers

By EDWIN CHESEREK

World Food Programme (WFP) has contracted a farmers’ group in Uasin Gishu County to supply more than 500 tonnes of maize this season.

Schemers Community Based Organisation, which has secured the tender, said the farmers will benefit from better market prices.

WFP Programme officer in charge of purchase and progress, Martin Kabaluapa, said the maize would be purchased through a tender price.

The farmers have secured Sh15 million loan from the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) to meet the required 525 tonnes.

Mr Kabaluapa disclosed the agency needed 200,000 tonnes of maize this season alone, a demand that Kenya has no capacity to meet.

“We are more than willing to support farmers in Kenya but we challenge them to scale up production,” he said.

He was speaking at Sambut trading centre during the launch of groups’ warehouse.

AFC Managing Director Lucas Meso said they would ensure the farmers access affordable credit to boost production.

He disclosed that the State agency has entered into partnership with National Cereals and Produce Board, to overcome various farming challenges.