Kakamega County deputy Governor who is also the Agriculture CEC Prof. Philip Kutima has sounded a warning to businessmen from the region who steal subsidized fertilizer and seeds meant for farmers. Speaking at Mumias Cultural Center grounds in Mumias West Sub-County during a Kakamega South Region Farm Inputs launch, the Kakamega County Deputy Governor warned individuals who capitalize on subsidized fertilizer and seeds to make a kill that they risk being imprisoned.
Kutima informed the farmers that so far some locals had been apprehended by the police and will be charged with theft of government property. The Deputy Governor also cautioned public officers from aiding such malpractices and announced that those found culpable will be expelled from the service with stiff legal penalties.
The Kakamega County government has this financial year invested Ksh 376 million in Subsidized Farm Mechanization, Seeds and Fertilizer Program which the Deputy Governor said will go a long way in keeping the County free from hunger and a key contributor to Kenya’s food basket.
The function brought together farmers from Matungu, Butere, Khwisero, Mumias East and the host Mumias West Sub-Counties. The County’s Central and North Regions will hold similar functions this week, with the second being on Thursday at Eshisiru grounds in Lurambi Sub-County and Pan paper grounds in Lugari Sub-County respectively. Present were Hon. MCAs led by the host Hon. Charles Odanga (Mumias Central) and Chairman Agriculture Committee Hon. Geofrey Omumatera, Chief Officers Jeremiah Namunyu and Dr. Kelly Nelima, Directors, Stakeholders and Government Administrators, among others.