November 23, 2023– According to a statement by the Office of the President, food production could rise further following the government’s move to expand its budget for subsidized fertilizers.
In the Supplementary Appropriation (No.3) Bill that was assented to by President William Ruto at State House on Thursday, Sh8.25 billion has been added to the purchase of fertilizers.
To tame losses and ensure the stability of maize prices in the country, Sh2.1 billion has been apportioned to the post-harvest management.
This will entail the acquisition of dryers, bulk storage facilities, and purchase of excess maize from farmers to cushion them against price fluctuations.
The Government has said it will buy the produce from farmers at Sh4,000 per 90-kilogramme bag.
Further, an additional Sh1.7 billion has been set aside for the ongoing sugar reforms, including the payment of farmers’ arrears and the improvement of sucrose levels.
To enhance coffee production in the country, the Government has allocated a further Sh4 billion for the sector’s revitalisation.
Majority Leader Kimani Ichungw’ah said Sh400 million has also been made available to New KCC for mopping up excess milk during this rainy season.
“This will ensure that our farmers do not suffer from losses occasioned by increased supplies of milk in the market,” he said.
Present were Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula, and Treasury CS Njuguna Ndung’u Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo.
Also at the event were Solicitor General Shadrack Mose and the Chairman of the Finance and National Planning Committee in the National Assembly Kuria Kimani.