A strain has been taking a toll on maize farmers in Kenya who are now in dilemma of how they will take care of their bills after government disappointment in maize prices and numerous NCPB scandals.
Now also incorporated in the maize shades Deputy President William Ruto has criticised politicians against his call to maize farmers to diversify.
“If someone tells you to rely on one crop, that person is misleading you. We must think about diversification,” he said.
“We must change our ways. We cannot be fighting year in year out over the price of maize. We must find how we will ensure we have food and crops that earn us money as well.”
Ruto spoke at Kitale Showgrounds in Trans Nzoia county during the Kitale Catholic Diocese family day where leaders raised concerns over the low price of maize.
He was accompanied by Senate Speaker Kenneth Lusaka, governors Patrick Khaemba (Trans Nzoia), John Lonyangapuo (West Pokot), MPs Chris Wamalwa (Kiminini), Didmus Barasa (Kimilili), Catherine Wambilianga (Bungoma County), Ferdinand Wanyonyi (Kwanza), Janet Nangabo (Trans Nzoia), Paul Katana (Kaloleni) and Lilian Tomito (West Pokot).
In November, three Rift Valley MPs triggered a political storm after publicly claiming Ruto had a 500,000-acre farm in the Republic of Congo.
MPs Joshua Kutuny (Cherangany), Alfred Keter (Nandi Hill) and Silas Tiren (Moiben) claimed Ruto has been encouraging farmers to substitute maize farming with avocado and macadamia.
“You can’t be telling us to plant avocados, plant macadamia but you are not telling us what happened to maize…Now you have gone even to Congo. You are growing 500,000 acres of maize,” said Keter without producing any evidence to back his claims.
Mean while according to new revelations Farmers in the North Rift region are now desperately selling their maize at throwaway prices after the government suspended buying of the produce by the cereal board.
Majority of farmers in need of cash are selling a 90kg bag for a paltry Sh1, 700 at the maximum to private millers to cushion them against possible post-harvest losses.The government stopped buying maize despite announcing that the board would purchase the produce at Sh2, 300 per 90 kilo bag.