Uasin Gishu farmers have appealed to the national government to provide them with driers especially during the El Nino rains to prevent destruction of their produce.
Speaking after meeting farmers in Eldoret town on Wednesday, Kenya Farmers Association chairman Kipkorir arap Menjo said although the national and county governments have urged farmers to harvest their crops early, they don’t have places to dry their produce.
"It’s sad that our county is not fully prepared for the El Nino rains despite the fact that Sh200 million has be set aside for preparations. No drier has been bought so far and yet farmers are harvesting their crops. If nothing is done, Kenya risks suffering from food shortage since most of the produce will be destroyed by the rains,” he said.
He urged the national and county governments to act with speed and ensure farmers get the driers.
He also urged the national government through the Agriculture ministry to ensure that the National Cereals and Produce Board is opened so that farmers can take their produce there for storage and drying.