Moiben MP Silah Tiren has urged the national government through the Ministry of Agriculture to implement the Maputo Declaration that requires at least 10 per cent of the national budget be allocated to agriculture to ensure food security.
On Monday, Tiren said agriculture has been neglected since it is always allocated a smaller share of the budget despite being the backbone of the country’s economy.
“Since Kenya is a signatory to the Maputo Declaration, it should implement it to the latter for farmers to benefit from their sweat and so for it to achieve Vision 2030, it should invest heavily in agriculture,” he said.
He said Kenya has only given agriculture three per cent of its budgetary allocation which is contrary to the Maputo Declaration and urged the national government to allocate more funds for the sector.
“Agriculture is key to our economy and food security, and if it is not fully funded, we will be food insecure. It is now 10 years since we signed the Maputo Declaration and nothing has been done while other ministries are getting the lion’s share,” he added.