The Water and Irrigation Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa has said the government was keen to ensure Kenyans are not affected by hunger, that’s why they paved the way for maize importation by the private sector. While addressing mourners at the funeral of Ruth Nyairo in Kiminini Sub County in Trans Nzoia County, CS Wamalwa said the government shouldn’t be blamed for the maize importation, saying the food crisis came about as a result of the long drought that was witnessed in Kenya and the region.
He said hunger was even pronounced as a national disaster following the weather patterns. He said maize flour should be sold at the stipulated price of Ksh 90 per 2kg, warning those who will hike the prices of dire consequences.
Wamalwa said currently, the nation has a deficit of 45 million bags of maize, no wonder maize is being imported, and he assured farmers that excessive maize won’t be imported to subsequently lead to the fluctuation of prices in the local market. CS Wamalwa urged the opposition not to politicize the issue, adding that they need to concentrate on mature politics. He noted that the opposition are allowed to ensure that the government are actively doing their duty and catering for the needs of Kenyans and as a result, they should target issues that will help citizens.
On his part, Trans Nzoia County governor Patrick Khaemba urged the government to provide pesticides to help tackle the armyworm menace. He expressed his concern that the next harvest may not be sufficient enough to cater for the residents and the nation as a whole due to the army worms.
