Trans Nzoia government has distributed free seeds to more than 8,000 small-scale farmers. This is as Governor George Natembeya steps up his plan to eradicate hunger and poverty in the county.
The distribution entered its third day with farmers receiving free certified maize seeds at Birunda cattle dip.
Farmers have started planting following the onset of rains. The region is one of the highest producer of maize and other cereals. Natembeya says the seeds will enable the farmers to grow maize as part of efforts to fight hunger.
The plan seeks to tame food insecurity and malnutrition by ensuring access to nutritious food, improving sanitation and hygiene and addressing root causes like poverty and conflict.
The governor has received praise from the community for working to improve food production and access, focusing on sustainable agriculture and empowering communities to earn a living.
Paul Wafula, a beneficiary of the free seeds, said vulnerable families will this time be food secure, thanks to the initiative.
“The initiative by the governor is proof of his plan to end hunger, save lives and prevent mass starvation,” he said.
Wafula is a farmer from Birunda village. Natembeya said the plan targets mainly small-scale farmers and poor households to enable them grow food for their consumption.
“As counties, we require adequate funding to support communities through such programmes and that is why we always push for strengthening of devolution as is stipulated in the constitution,” Natembeya said.
The governor said following allocation of functions like health and education, the national government should release all attendant funds for the same functions.
He warned that counties may shut down without proper funding. “We ask the national government to follow up with proposals of the Commission on Revenue Allocation and give counties what is due to them or we will lock up counties,” he said.
The county chief also criticised the political deal between President William Ruto and the ODM leader Raila Odinga terming it a political game aimed at hoodwinking Kenyans.
He told ODM leaders, “We didn’t vote for you to go into coalition with Ruto to make us look like fools.”
Governor Natembeya hit out at
Kiminini MP Kakai Bisau whom he
said was a political hypocrite and a
man bent on sabotaging development
programmes.
