GOVERNOR BARASA LAUNCHES DISTRIBUTION OF SUBSIDIZED FARM INPUTS ACROSS KAKAMEGA COUNTY

The County Government of Kakamega has commenced the distribution of subsidized fertilizer and maize seeds to resident Farmers with an aim of boosting food security in the County.

The Governor H.E FCPA Fernandes Barasa on Tuesday during the launch of the subsidized farm inputs noted that in line with his Food Security pillar, the distribution is expected to create a big impact in Agricultural production across the County.

The County Government, he announced, has spend KES 713,080,000 towards the initiative this Financial Year where a 25 kgs bag of planting and top dressing fertilizer is retailing at KES 1,485 and KES 1,165 respectively, whereas a 2kg packet of maize seeds is retailing at KES 300/-.

To curb pilferage and abuse of the subsidies, the Governor instructed County Administrators to be on the look and report any unscrupulous people who may leverage on existence of the programme at the expense of deserving farmers.

Since inception of the initiative in 2015, Kakamega County Government has invested over KES 3 billion in subsidized farm inputs leading to a steady growth in food production from 1.9 million bags of maize in 2013 to 2.8 million bags in 2022.

The launch in Ikolomani, Khwisero and Butere Sub-Counties was also attended by Kakamega County Deputy Governor H.E Ayub Savula, Members of County Assembly, CECMs and other Senior County Officers.