January never disappoints to hit hard but for farmers it is hitting double as their cries keep hitting deaf ears.Its been devasting tale after another for the hardworking men and women yet to rip their friuts of labour.
In more troubles revealed, the National Cereals and Produce Board depots are yet to start buying maize a week after President Uhuru Kenyatta issued a directive.
On Monday, farmers protested at the Eldoret NCPB depot.
More than 150 lorries and tractors lined up to deliver maize but they were not allowed in.
“The lies seem to have started again. We are wondering why the people in charge are not implementing the President’s order,” Director of the Kenya Farmers Association Kipkorir Menjo said.
He said Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri and the cereals board management should open the depots.
The delay is unfair since farmers are supposed to start preparing for planting next month, Menjo said.
Strategic Food Reserve Fund board chairman Dr Noah Wekesa, who was in Eldoret on Saturday, promised farmers the depots would be open up this week.
“We are preparing to start buying maize in an orderly manner so as not to repeat past mistakes,” Wekesa said.
Farmer Paul Mursin wants the President to sack the people ignoring his orders.
On January 10, President Uhuru told the NCPB to buy maize for farmers at Sh2,500 for a 90kg bag.
Maize growers asked Treasury CS Henry Rotich to release money to the NCPB to buy their crop.