President William Ruto has hailed ongoing government reforms in the agriculture sector, saying they are significantly transforming the lives of farmers and enhancing national food security.
Speaking during an interdenominational prayer service at Kapngetik Grounds in Elgeyo Marakwet County, the President credited reduced input costs and the elimination of cartels for the improved performance in farming.
“We have managed to reduce the cost of farm inputs, including fertiliser, which has enabled our farmers to produce enough food. As a result, we’ve reduced our food imports by a significant margin,” Ruto said.
He commended farmers for their contribution, noting that the country has produced 50 percent more food compared to 2022. However, he urged maize farmers to increase yields further by embracing efficient fertiliser use.
“If we apply one-and-a-half to two bags of fertiliser per acre, we can harvest 20 to 25 bags of maize per acre,” the President said.
Ruto highlighted major reforms in the coffee sector, including licensing, milling, and marketing processes, which he said have dismantled long-standing cartels that exploited farmers.
“No longer will one person or company serve as the farmer, miller, broker, and buyer,” he said.
According to the President, coffee farmers are now earning between KSh110 and KSh150 per kilo, up from KSh50–60 in 2022. Payment delays have also been addressed, with cooperatives now receiving payment within five days of sale, allowing farmers to be paid within 10 days.
He added that reforms at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange now include oversight from the Capital Markets Authority to ensure transparency and fairness.
In the sugar sector, the President said improved management has resulted in prompt payments and bonuses for farmers. He noted that Kenya had imported only a minimal amount of sugar and could soon become a sugar exporter.
President Ruto also announced reforms in the dairy industry, aimed at empowering farmers who supply milk to the New KCC. He said the reforms will eventually allow farmers to manage milk processing plants.
“It is not right that a packet of milk costs KSh120 while farmers sell a litre of fresh milk at only KSh50,” he noted.
On healthcare, the President reaffirmed his commitment to the Social Health Authority (SHA), urging Kenyans to dismiss critics who claim it’s not working.
“SHA will work ten times better than NHIF. County governments have embraced the system, and claims are already being processed,” he said.
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen and President Ruto also addressed societal values, urging parents and leaders to protect children from moral decay.
“We must sow good seeds in our children’s minds and souls. That is our collective responsibility,” Murkomen said.
Also present at the service were Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisely Rotich, MPs Gideon Kimaiyo (Keiyo South), Adams Kipsaina (Keiyo North), and Senator William Kisang, among others.
