- Over 21, 000 farmers from the two sectors have been receiving subsidies in form of cash paid monthly by the county government.
- Mango farmers receive Sh3.50 per kilo of delivered produce while dairy farmers receive Sh7 per delivered litre of milk.
Image: Alice Waithera
Farmers from Murang’a are rejoicing after the county government converted their subsidy payment to an e-voucher card that can be used to purchase various commodities.
The county government recently introduced the Inua Mkulima card through which mango and dairy farmers will be receiving their payments.
Farmers listed under the subsidy programme that was started last year as a way of cushioning them from fluctuating prices will also be able to use the card to pay school fees, purchase farm inputs and even foodstuffs.
Over 21,000 farmers from the two sectors have been receiving subsidies in form of cash paid monthly by the county government.
Mango farmers receive Sh3.50 per kilo of delivered produce while dairy farmers receive Sh7 per delivered litre of milk.
The county has however changed the mode of payment in a bid to seal loopholes that were being used to steal money through the programme.
“Farmers who have been receiving subsidies will now use the e-voucher card to access farm inputs and foodstuff from prequalified agrovet stores and shops,” Kang’ata said.
He said the change has been implemented following the views of stakeholders who said it would make the programme more impactful.
The county administration is currently in the process of incorporating more beneficiaries into the programme with the aim of reaching over 40,000 farmers
This is to ensure all farmers are covered and receive equal support from the county government.
The programme currently benefits 19,000 dairy farmers and over 1,400 mango farmers.
“Under the new payment system, farmers will be redeeming the vouchers in agrovets across the county and acquiring animal feeds, and even paying for artificial insemination,” the governor said.
“They can also redeem the voucher for wheat and maize flour, cooking oil and rice or pay for healthcare and secondary school fees among other benefits. This new subsidy programme will benefit up to 73 per cent of all mango and milk farmers in the county,” he added.
Last month, the county government undertook a verification exercise of all mango and dairy farmers in the county and registered them under the new subsidy programme.
The governor said under the programme, it will be easier for the county administration to track farmers who stop supplying their milk or mangoes to their respective cooperatives and their payment stopped.
“The new payment method will also support businesses and boost the local economy,” he added.
Two weeks ago, the county government re-opened Murang’a County Creameries that had been closed since 2022, and which is now selling long life milk and yoghurt.
Established in 2018 by the county government, the factory is run by Murang’a farmers through Murang’a County Creameries Union, an umbrella co-operative for 34 dairy co-operative societies.