DP Kindiki: Relief for Maize Farmers as prices of seeds reduced

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said President Ruto had heard the farmers’ requests and ordered for immediate reduction of maize seeds in order to increase production across the country.

“We received concerns from farmers who complained about the high prices of maize seeds. The President has directed the Kenya Seed Company to immediately reduce the prices of seeds so that farmers can afford them,” DP declared.

Speaking on Tuesday when he inspected ongoing development projects in Trans Nzoia County, the DP stated the government is keen to ensure high production of maize which is one of the country’s staple foods.

“The price of 1kg of maize seeds will come down from 300 shillings to 260 shillings, 2kg will drop from 600 shillings to 525 shillings, the 10kg bag of seeds will drop to 3000 from 2625 and 25kgs will be down from 7500 to 6500 shillings,” he revealed.

Trans Nzoia County is one the nation’s bread baskets leading in maize production.

Prof. Kindiki said the prices of fertilizers have already come down to 2,500 shillings from 7000 shillings when the government took over in 2022. The effect of this has been felt as maize production went up from 44 million bags of maize in 2022 to 75 million bags last year.

The reduction of seeds prices, DP emphasized, is to ensure production continues to go up and farmers earn more.

“This is a presidential directive and going forward we will bring it further down. As we reduce the price of fertilizers, we will make the seeds affordable so we produce enough food for our country,” he stressed.

Prof. Kindiki thanked Trans Nzoia leaders led by Senator Allan Chesang, Woman Representative Lilian Siyoi, MPs and MCAs for bringing the matter to the President’s attention saying they have shown leadership for fighting for their constituents.

“They requested the President to consider reducing the prices of seeds and he listened to them. We will continue working with them to ensure farmers and residents benefit from the government’s policies,” he noted.

On Tuesday, the Deputy President inspected the Maili Tatu Affordable Housing Project in Saboti Constituency. It is a 1035 unit-project costing 2.7 billion shillings and will be completed on time. He also checked the progress of the 73-kilometre Kitale/Aturkan-Maili Saba-Kesogon-Chepareria-Murpus Road which is being tarmacked at 15.4 billion shillings.

Later, he addressed residents at Maili Saba trading centre, Saboti Constituency where he updated them on the multi-billion-shillings projects being done by the government in Trans Nzoia County.

In the County, the government is constructing 326 kilometres of roads at a cost of 38 billion shillings. Additionally, it is building 10 modern markets across the devolved unit. Several affordable housing projects are also going on. The construction of hostels at Kitale National Polytechnic at a cost of 413 million shillings has already commenced. They will accommodate 1,160 students.

“These projects are part of our journey to transform the whole country without discriminating against any part. Under the leadership of President Ruto, we will ensure no region is left behind in development,” DP noted.

The Deputy President said focus will be on transforming the country going forward in order to achieve first world status.

He challenged the political competitors to get ready for a tough contest saying they will have a difficult time convincing Kenyans to support them.

“Those competing with us should brace themselves because we are going to work hard. This is the year of hard work. We will push forward on roads, modern markets, electricity connectivity, and all ongoing government projects. By December, Kenya will be a different country,” Prof. Kindiki said.

The DP said he will continue working hard to support the President deliver on his development agenda and push for faster completion of the ongoing projects.

“By the time we head into the elections, those competing with us will have a long day, because we will clearly account for everything we have done from road construction and tarmacking to modern markets, electricity connectivity, and many other developments,” he said.

The DP was joined by Environment, Climate Change and Forestry Cabinet Secretary Deborah Barasa, Senator Allan Chesang, Woman Representative Lilian Siyoi, Kiminini MP Kakai Bissau, host of MCAs and other leaders.