Spotlight on state over ‘favouritism’ in coffee sector

By Francis ontomwa

MUMIAS, KENYA: Opinion and political leaders from Western Province are demanding an explanation from the State over the criteria used to offset coffee farmers’ debts from Mt Kenya region.

The Government released Sh750 million as part of Sh4.7 billion waiver for coffee farmers’ debts that was presented by Finance Minister Njeru Githae together with Co-operatives Minister Joseph Nyagah.

The leaders who included sugarcane farmers from sugar growing areas in Western said the State must come out and justify the move.

“This move clearly tells us that we have a wrong Government in place, one that does things that they cannot justify. It must come out and tell Kenyans why coffee farmers from Mt Kenya and not other sectors that are equally crying for attention,” said Prof Egara Kabaji, a communication expert at Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology.

He insisted that although it was a step in the right direction for farmers, there was need for the State to foster equality and ally fears of favouritism among Kenyans by qualifying its actions.

Mumias lawmaker Benjamin Washiali and his Vihiga counterpart Yusuf Chanzu said the Government’s approach was wanting and had left a lot to be desired, adding voice to the call for justification of the move.

Mr Washiali said it was appalling that there were farmers from certain regions who benefited from subsidised fertilisers for instance, while other regions were eschewed.

“We require a Government that assists its people fairly since it is not just coffee farmers who are going through tough times in their endeavours. Others too are crying and perhaps this explains why people are jostling for power,” observed Washiali, who is also a member of the parliamentary committee on Land and Natural Resources.

Chanzu noted that the sugarcane sector was on the brink of collapse due to negligence, adding that milling factories that were once powerful are now slowly fizzling out due to lack of commitment from authorities.

“Picture Miwani factory. It used to be a powerhouse but slowly things are taking the wrong direction. It is important to focus on the interests of all Kenyans fairly,” said Chanzu.

A section of sugarcane farmers from Busia County said State ought to employ a broad-based approach to issues bedevilling Kenyans without favouritism.