A section of Bungoma County Members of the County Assembly have lamented over the reduced number of beneficiaries as well as the amount of fertilizer to be given to vetted members of the public claiming there is some foul play.
Addressing the press led by the Budget Committee chairman, Kimaeti MCA Jack Wambulwa said they initially allocated 28 million for purchase of certified seedlings and fertilizer at 58 million which was to benefit 402 residents in each of the earmarked wards.
The budget chair added that after receiving information that the price of fertilizer had shot up, they agreed to reduce the number of beneficiaries to 310 saying they are shocked that the ministry is distributing to only 229 beneficiaries in each ward saying it is a dishonest act of the highest order.
He said the officers in charge at the ministry have not offered any explanation regarding the sudden change saying they don’t even understand the criteria used to select those who will benefit.
His sentiments were echoed by Agriculture Committee vice chairman Hon. Sospeter Nyongesa who said as a committee they have not been consulted over any changes that they are effecting.
Bungoma County majority leader Joseph Nyongesa said as representatives of the people they will not relent on offering best leadership and criticizing on issues that have not been well persecuted.
Bungoma County acting Agriculture Chief Officer Onesmus Makhanu said they had reduced the number of beneficiaries due to the increased price of fertilizer in the country.