Nakuru County government has defended itself against accusations from Subukia farmers whom they promised a tomato factory.
The county CeC for Agriculture Stanley Chepkwony claimed that the owner of the factory had refused to submit it to the county.
“We have approached the owner on several occasions asking him to allow for negotiations for the factory, but he has adamantly refused. However, we are still in the process of negotiations and we hope that he will change his mind,” said CeC Chepkwony.
Chepkwony was speaking to Journalista in his Nakuru office on Monday where he said plans are still under way to revive the tomato factory.
“We understand that the farm benefited more than 100 tomato farmers and we intend to ensure that the services are revived again,” added Chepkwony.
CeC Chepwkony pointed out that Nakuru County governor Kinuthia Mbugua and the county MCAs had started negotiations a year ago on the same issue.
His claims come amidst complains by farmers over the delay by the county government to revive the factory as they promised earlier adding that the situation has affected production levels and even caused the prices to fluctuate.
“We are no longer getting value for our efforts as farmers. A crate of tomatoes now goes for as low as Sh800. The factory was an integral part of the business development since it produced tomato sauce and chilli sauce alongside other tomato products,” said Irene Nyambura, a farmer.