Sh5.5 billion for farmers in ASAL lying idle says DP Ruto

NAIROBI, KENYA: Deputy President William Ruto has put on notice Government officials in the Ministry of Agriculture who have failed to utilize an estimated Sh5.5 Billion meant for farmers in arid and semi-arid counties across the country.

The project that is jointly funded by the Government of Kenya and Africa Development Bank aims at reducing poverty, ensuring food security and accelerating sustainable economic development in arid and semi-arid areas.

The Deputy President said it was unfortunate that after three years the funds have only been used to buy vehicles and pay allowances for people sitting in offices.

"The Drought Resilience and Sustainable Livelihood Programme was signed in 2012 and for the last three years money has been available but unfortunately very little has happened," said Mr Ruto.

"We are very concerned because this is a project where billions have been made available by the Government and the African Development Bank to achieve a number of issues."

The Deputy President made the remarks when he met key stakeholders from the Ministry of Agriculture and county executives from Samburu, Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Isiolo and Marsabit counties to get an update of the project.

Mr Ruto was disappointed the people earmarked to benefit from the programme are yet to.

"We have a mandate both at the national and county level to transform this country and we are not going to allow a few people to stand on the way," said the Deputy President.

He described as a big shame the fact that after money has been made available the African Development Bank is more concerned about the implementation of the programme than government officers.