Kiambu farmers receive Sh103m farm input

Kiambu county government has started distributing farm input worth Sh103 million to farmers to cushion them against the rising food insecurity, as well as economic empowerment.

Governor Kimani Wamatangi said yesterday the distribution started on Wednesday this week and includes certified maize seeds worth Sh34 million, coffee fertiliser for cooperatives valued at Sh45 million which will largely benefit coffee farmers, one-month-old improved kienyeji chicks (Sh18 million) and 60,000 Hass avocado seedlings worth Sh5.1 million.

According to the governor, the maize seeds and fertiliser were sourced from Kenya National Trade Corporations (KNTC), improved Kienyeji chicken from Kenya Agricultural Research and Livestock Organisation (Karlo), while the avocado seedlings were bought from Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (Jkuat).

Food security

“We are working on ensuring that we reach 100 per cent food and nutritional security through direct input from the county as well as creating an enabling environment that helps partnerships to thrive.

The seeds distributed are fast growing, drought resistant and suited for the different agro-ecological,” said the county boss.

Further, the county, he said will also distribute fingerlings worth Sh1.7 million that will be sourced from Kenya Fisheries, beans as well as three-month piglets to be given to youth and women groups.

He said the program, is deliberately leveraging on the ongoing rains, is meant to ensure the county produces sufficient food for consumption by its 3.1 million people and for commercial purposes.

This is the second-time distribution is happening in the county within four months.