Don’t do that: Lusaka warns farmers against doing this

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has called on farmers to stop selling subsidised farm inputs distributed by the County Government to support them during this planting season.

Speaking during a live radio interview on Radio Citizen on Monday, March 17, Lusaka explained that the county programme aims to empower vulnerable farmers, but noted with regret that some choose to sell the inputs at low prices instead of using them for their intended purpose.

“The County provides these farm inputs to help farmers boost production and enhance food security. It is unfortunate that some are misusing the opportunity by selling them,” he said.

The governor, he is the head of Agriculture department at the Council of Governors (CoG), said his admnistration’s vision is to ensure all residents practicing agriculture realise maximum benefits.

Since taking over the CoG’s Agricultural docket, Lusaka has been on the forefront in creating public awareness about best agricultural practices across the country both on large and small-scale levels.

Lusaka warned that stern action would be taken against those found engaging in the buying and selling of the county subsidized inputs distributed to farmers.

At the same time, he assured farmers that the County is in the final process of preparing for this year’s free farm input distribution. He urged them to collect and utilise the inputs effectively to promote food security in the County.

In December 2024, Lusaka has urged the national government to ensure that subsidised fertiliser is delivered to NCPB depots on time ahead of the planting season.

He was speaking at the Eldoret NCPB depot in his capacity as the Chair of Agriculture in the Council of Governors (CoG), where he emphasised the importance of timeliness in farming.

He warned that delays in fertiliser distribution could undermine farmers’ efforts and compromise harvests.

“Farming is all about timing. We cannot afford a scenario where planting fertilizer arrives when crops are already being weeded,” Lusaka stated.

Previously, he had called for the swift implementation of agricultural policies and programmes to revitalize the country’ agricultural sector.

Speaking during a sensitisation and leadership workshop for County Executive Committee Members (CECM) in charge of agriculture held in Naivasha in late January this year, Lusaka emphasized the need for robust policy development and implementation to drive transformative change in the sector.

“As the Council of Governors, we are the voice of counties and champions of devolved governments’ interests in policy formulation. I urge you to support the Council’s position in your engagements with the national government,” Lusaka stated.