Two Governors from the North Rift region have called for the agriculture sector to be fully devolved to increase production and fix challenges facing the sector. Nandi Governor Stephen Sang and his West Pokot counterpart John Lonyangapuo faulted what they cited as the national government’s reluctance to fully devolve agriculture.
According to Governor Sang, Counties are already doing the bulk of the work associated with agriculture but are seriously strained because of lack of funds. The Nandi Governor who was the chief guest during the West Pokot Agricultural show at Kishaunet show ground recommended that the maize taskforce directed by President Uhuru Kenyatta should ensure that agriculture is fully devolved to the Counties.
Moreover, reconstructing in the sector and procurement of fertilizers done by the Agriculture ministry should also be done by the Counties. “We get bad fertilizers which affect crops’ productivity. They’ve been bringing the same kind of fertilizers,” he said. He said the challenges witnessed in the agriculture sector cannot be solved in Nairobi.
Governor Sang said more funds should be availed to help improve the ailing sector, “The little money we’ve received so far has accomplished a lot. If Kshs 3 billion can be added then we shall do wonders,” he said.
Governor Lonyangapuo said devolution was working well in most Counties hence the need for more funds. He added that the fertilizer brought in should be suitable to the respective areas, “Farmers should know the best fertilizers for them,” he said.
He said the West Pokot County administration will go for benchmarking on farming in Nandi, Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia Counties.