NCPB remains closed as vetting process yet to take place

Many farmers' names are missing from a list from the Agriculture ministry, creating confusion among maize producers seeking to supply the grain to the Government.

The list, released this week for verification at ward levels in maize growing areas, is part of a process that will enable the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) receive supplies in their depots from genuine farmers.

A spot check by The Standard yesterday revealed that farmers who did not purchase fertiliser from NCPB depots but sourced them from other stores were the most affected. This could spark off controversy in the sector.

Farmers are now concerned about their fate, saying they risk being denied a chance to supply their produce to NCPB for Government’s Strategic Food Reserves (SFR) and benefit from the Sh2,500 per 90kg bag as recently ordered by President Uhuru Kenyatta.

The list contains names of farmers per sub-location and their acreages.

Caused jitters

Some farmers who are ready to supply their produce now fear they may be branded as ‘cartels’, a tag that caused jitters last year among some large-scale producers who supplied large quantities of the cereal.

"I have scanned through the list and to my dismay, my name is not there. What does this mean? Where will I sell my maize if the first requirement has not been achieved?" posed Mohammed Kiplagat, a farmer from Sergoit in Moiben.

He challenged the ministry to amend the list so that all farmers can be included.

Farmers have been patiently waiting in long queues, stretching over two kilometres, at the Eldoret and Moi's Bridge depots although the facilities are yet to be officially opened.

In Eldoret alone, there were more than 180 trucks by noon yesterday.

Moiben MP Silas Tiren called on the Government to fast-track the vetting process and also open up more buying centres.