Ruto pledges to revamp giant meat commission
Deputy President William Ruto yesterday pledged to reform the Kenya Meat Commission(KMC), saying it was currently not beneficial to farmers.
Addressing residents yesterday during a Kenya Kwanza economic forum held at Koko, Kiserian in kajiado county, Ruto spelt a roadmap to empower livestock farmers and beadwork through value addition and affordable loans.
In a question-and-answer session moderated and chaired by Ruto, residents were offered a chance to ask questions and talk about economic challenges they face in their line of business.
Kenya Kwanza team including his running-mate Rigathi Gachagua, Musalia Mudavadi (ANC), Moses Wetang’ula (Ford Kenya), and Machakos Governor Alfred Mutua among other politicians were also members of the panel.
Drought effects
Persistent drought, livestock diseases, low milk prices, lack of market for beads artefacts, land conflicts and cross border business were among the challenges cited by farmers.
Ruto said the Kenya Kwanza government is committed to increasing the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) loan offered to livestock farmers from the current Sh200,000 to Sh500,000 per farmer as well as reducing interest rates to five per cent from the current 18 per cent.
“My government will increase the AFC loan from the current Sh5 billion to Sh20 billion. We want farmers to access a reasonable amount of money that can improve their livelihood. The interest rate will also be affordable,’’ he said.
He said to mitigate adverse drought effects, his government will invest in drilling water and hay harvesting and also have a lucrative livestock off-take programme.
President Uhuru Kenyatta has consistently hailed the performance of the Athi-River based KMC since it was put under the management of the military.
But Gachagua challenged farmers to explain how the giant meat processor is benefiting them. Farmers who responded on behalf of others claimed the institution under the leadership of the Kenya Defense Forces is not beneficial at all.
Drought effects
The Mathira MP pledged that under the Kenya Kwanza government, the institution leadership will include a local director to ensure proper representation.
Gachagua added that AFC and Kenya Wildlife Services (KWS) will also have a director representing the interest of the Maa community. “Having a director in the three key agencies will facilitate the harmonious working relationship, to ensure farmers who lose livestock to marauding wildlife are compensated.”
Mudavadi also questioned the involvement of locals in KMC.
“How is your relationship with KMC? When the government introduced an export duty on hides and skins, were you involved as farmers?’ asked Mudavadi.
Ruto later returned to Taita Taveta County where he promised to improve the plight of farmers if elected.
Addressing residents in Taveta and Mwatate, Ruto said Kenya Kwanza’s agenda number one is to change the economy of the country.
“It is for this reason we came to Taita Taveta and signed an MOU with you people so that we can change the economy. We are committed to changing the economy of this country. We are going to set aside Sh 100 billion to ensure youth are employed,” said Ruto.
He claimed that while he was firmly in government, they had prioritised a number of infrastructure projects which had taken off well but stalled after the handshake.
He promised to continue with the infrastructure and electrification project once Kenya Kwanza takes over.
