The government has announced plans to lower the cost of fertiliser and certified seeds to cushion farmers affected by poor rainfall and strengthen food production ahead of the September–October planting season.
President William Ruto said the intervention is part of measures aimed at protecting national food security after below-average rainfall affected crop production in key agricultural regions.
Speaking during a church service at ACK St Stephen’s Chepkoilel in Moiben Constituency, Uasin Gishu County, the President said subsidised farm inputs would enable farmers to plant during the expected short rains despite recent crop losses.
“I want to assure farmers and the country that the Government is doing everything possible to help farmers who have been affected by lower than normal rains,” Ruto said.
He said the government is also implementing long-term strategies to reduce the impact of drought through expanded irrigation and water storage infrastructure.
According to the President, the recently established National Infrastructure Fund will finance the construction of 50 mega dams, 200 medium-sized dams and 1,000 micro dams to increase water harvesting and support irrigation, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas.
Ruto defends National Development Charter
Ruto also defended his proposal for a National Development Charter, saying the initiative seeks to provide Kenya with a long-term development blueprint to succeed Vision 2030.
He urged Kenyans to participate in the planned national dialogue, arguing that the country’s future development agenda should be shaped through public participation.
“Last week, I said we have an opportunity to have a conversation to plan for our country’s future. President Mwai Kibaki planned Vision 2030. We must have a vision, and we have enough reasons to have that discussion,” he said.
The President noted that Vision 2030 was developed before the promulgation of the 2010 Constitution and said it was now necessary to align future development plans with the current constitutional framework.
“We have operationalised all sections of the Constitution. Now we must operationalise the development chapter, and it cannot be done in darkness. People must come out and give their suggestions,” he added.
Affordable housing and youth programmes
Ruto said the government is investing Sh1.2 trillion in affordable housing, modern markets and student hostels across the country, projects he said have created thousands of jobs for young people.
He noted that Uasin Gishu County alone has received Sh35 billion for affordable housing projects, markets and hostels for about 9,000 college and university students.
The President also said more than 800,000 young people, including entrepreneurs and artisans, have benefited from the NYOTA programme, adding that the initiative will be expanded to reach more beneficiaries.
Leaders back government programmes
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government has continued investing in modern security equipment to strengthen public safety, warning politicians against politicising security matters.
Governors Jonathan Bii Chelilim (Uasin Gishu) and Wesley Rotich (Elgeyo Marakwet) praised the affordable housing programme, saying it has created employment opportunities and stimulated local businesses.
Several Members of Parliament who attended the service also expressed support for President Ruto’s development agenda, with Uasin Gishu Senator Jackson Mandago urging political leaders to avoid inciting violence during the campaign period.
