News Break
Kenyan President William Ruto has said no permits will be issued to millers to import wheat or maize into the country reiterating that the move move is aimed at protecting local farmers.
Speaking on Thursday at State House, Nairobi, when he met a delegation from Narok North cnstituency led by its MP Agnes Pareiyo, the Head of State said government will only deviate from the directive if the local produce is insufficient.
The President pointed out that the Government will allocate Ksh 4 billion to buy maize from farmers in a move aimed at stabilising prices. “We ask our farmers not to sell their produce at throw-away prices.” He said.
To reduce post-harvest losses over high moisture, the Head of State announced that NCPB driers will be used to dry farmers maize at a minimal fee of Ksh 50 from a high of nearly Sh400 a bag.
“Even if farmers don’t want to sell their maize to NCPB, they will have an opportunity to dry their produce at the State agency and store it,” he explained.
The President said a KCC milk plant will be constructed in Narok to improve milk quality and thus boost prices. Present in the meeting were Governors Patrick Ole Ntutu (Narok) and Jonathan Leleliit (Samburu), Narok West MP Gabriel Tongoyo, MCAs and grassroots leaders.
