Kenya is set to achieve a record maize harvest of 70 million bags this year, President William Ruto has announced. Speaking at the Anglican Church of Kenya in Bungoma on Sunday, the President attributed this significant milestone to the government’s policy of subsidizing production instead of consumption by providing farmers with affordable fertilizer.
President Ruto highlighted that favorable weather conditions, including sufficient rainfall and the diligent efforts of farmers, have also played a crucial role in the expected bumper harvest.
“God has blessed us with good weather over the past two years. As a result, we will have an abundance of food this season. The Ministry of Agriculture predicts that maize harvests will reach a record 70 million bags this year. This is part of our efforts to ensure food security in the country,” said the President.
In his address, President Ruto also noted a positive shift in national discourse, moving away from discussions centered on personal interests of leaders to a focus on development.
“The conversations now are about school improvements, electricity connections, and road construction, among other things. These discussions are no longer about tribalism or religious differences,” he remarked.
The President commended Kenyans for increasingly setting aside their political differences and embracing each other as brothers and sisters, calling this a true sense of patriotism.
“Our interactions and close working relationships highlight the beauty of prioritizing the greater good of the country,” he added.
President Ruto reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that no part of Kenya is left behind in development matters, promising to serve all Kenyans equally, regardless of how they voted in the last General Election.
“I want to assure you that I will work for all Kenyans without bias or exclusion,” he pledged.
He also vowed to do everything in his power to ensure the country remains united, urging all leaders to take the lead in promoting national unity.
“Deliberate unity among the people is the key to the country’s progress,” he emphasized.
The President warned those attempting to divide the country along regional and sectarian lines that they would fail miserably.
“Those seeking to divide us on regional and sectarian grounds will be thoroughly defeated,” he declared.
He called on Christians to continue praying for peace and stability in the country.
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wa condemned leaders who engage in regional politics for selfish gains, urging Christians to pray for them as they are still determined to carry out their harmful actions.
Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka encouraged residents of Western Kenya to work together and support the government in addressing the challenges facing the community.
Following his address, President Ruto inspected ongoing construction works at Masinde Muliro Stadium in Kanduyi, accompanied by several Members of Parliament and Ward Representatives.
