By Violet Auma || violetmedia8@gmail.com
More than 200,000 farmers across Kakamega’s 12 constituencies are set to benefit from free farm inputs provided by the county government.
The initiative, spearheaded by Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa, aims to boost agricultural productivity, enhance food security, and support vulnerable groups, including low-income families, women, widows, and Persons with Disabilities.
Speaking at the launch of the distribution program in Matungu Sub-County, Governor Barasa emphasized the need to empower small-scale farmers by ensuring access to quality inputs.
At the event, approximately 1,000 farmers received free planting fertilizer and maize seeds, marking the beginning of a countywide distribution exercise.
Governor Barasa noted that many farmers in Kakamega had been unable to access the subsidized fertilizer provided by the national government due to logistical challenges and high demand.
“As a county government, we have allocated resources to bridge this gap by purchasing maize seeds and fertilizer for free distribution. This initiative seeks to enhance food security and improve yields, especially for farmers facing financial constraints,” said Governor Barasa.
The program will be rolled out across all 12 sub-counties to ensure equitable distribution.
“The county government has set aside Ksh 200 million to procure and distribute farm inputs, reaffirming our commitment to agriculture one of the key pillars of our economy,” added Barasa.
He urged beneficiaries to utilize the inputs effectively to maximize productivity and ensure sustainability.
“Food security is a shared responsibility. I encourage our farmers to adopt good agricultural practices to achieve better yields. As a county, we are dedicated to supporting farmers and ensuring they have the resources needed to increase food production. This program is part of a broader strategy to improve agricultural output, alleviate poverty, and spur economic growth in Kakamega,” he stated.
Additionally, the governor cautioned residents against unscrupulous traders selling counterfeit farm inputs.
“During the planting season, dishonest businesspeople take advantage of unsuspecting farmers by selling fake fertilizers and seeds, leading to poor yields and financial losses. I urge our farmers to remain vigilant and only purchase inputs from authorized dealers. We have seen cases, such as in Lubinu, Shianda, where farmers have fallen victim to fraudsters. As a government, we will work closely with relevant authorities to crack down on such illegal activities,” he warned.
Local farmers who attended the launch expressed their gratitude for the initiative, noting that free farm inputs would significantly reduce production costs and ensure timely planting.
Many acknowledged the challenge of accessing quality fertilizer and seeds, particularly those struggling financially.
The county government plans to implement similar programs to further empower farmers and ensure long-term agricultural sustainability.
As Kakamega continues prioritizing food security, this initiative is expected to play a crucial role in improving livelihoods and driving economic growth in the county.
