Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has assured Kenyans that the government is implementing measures to safeguard food security and support farmers following below-average rainfall in several food-producing regions and ahead of the anticipated El Niño rains later this year.
Speaking after chairing a high-level meeting with Cabinet Secretaries and Principal Secretaries at his official residence in Karen on Friday, Kindiki said the government was closely monitoring the weather situation and coordinating interventions to minimise its impact on agricultural production.
He said the administration was determined to ensure no Kenyan suffers food shortages despite the challenging weather conditions.
“I assure the country that the government is fully seized of the matter regarding what has happened this season and what is projected later this year. We are taking every possible measure to ensure that no part of Kenya or any citizen suffers from food shortages while also supporting farmers affected by the unfavourable weather,” Kindiki said.
The Deputy President explained that the meeting reviewed the effects of reduced rainfall experienced during the current growing season as well as preparedness for the forecasted El Niño rains expected between October and December.
According to Kindiki, the government has agreed to hold weekly meetings to assess the evolving situation and coordinate immediate and long-term responses.
“We have agreed to continue meeting every week to ensure there is adequate preparedness for any eventuality and to guarantee the country’s food security,” he said.
Support for farmers
Kindiki revealed that crop failure in some maize-growing regions has prompted the government to explore alternative ways of reducing losses suffered by farmers.
Among the proposals under consideration is converting damaged maize crops into livestock feed to allow farmers to recover part of their investment.
“We are exploring modalities of using crops that failed to mature for the production of animal feed so that farmers can still earn some income despite the poor harvest,” he said.
The Deputy President added that the government is also developing interventions aimed at protecting farmers from further losses as weather patterns remain unpredictable.
Preparing for El Niño rains
With the Kenya Meteorological Department forecasting heavy rainfall later in the year, Kindiki said preparations were underway to help farmers harvest and preserve mature crops before the onset of the rains.
He noted that timely harvesting, proper drying and adequate storage would help minimise post-harvest losses.
“We are also preparing farmers for the expected El Niño season by supporting farm preparation and ensuring the availability of agricultural inputs,” he said.
Kindiki said the government would continue working with relevant ministries and agencies to strengthen preparedness and protect agricultural production across the country.
He maintained that the administration remains committed to supporting farmers while ensuring a stable food supply for all Kenyans despite the changing weather conditions.
