Potato farmers in Nakuru will be making more from their potato produce once value addition factories are put up in the vast county, Governor Kinuthia Mbugua has said. Mbugua says he is keen on attracting investors in the sector, including companies that make crisps, frozen chips and starch among other products from the crop. So far, two foreign investors have expressed interest to set up factories in Mau Narok, Njoro and Keringet in Kuresoi. “This is important to Nakuru County as one of the key food producers in Kenya,” said the former administrative police commandant. “With agriculture, we are in the forefront playing our part and together with the national government, assure the country of food security,” he added. Governor Mbugua, who is a key member of the agriculture committee in the Council of Governors, added that value addition will give the farmers increased income for their produce. Speaking over the weekend during a two-day intergovernmental consultative forum on agriculture, livestock and fisheries in Mombasa, the governor emphasised on the need for focused and determined sector investment plans at the county level. The meeting, which began on June 18, was attended by various international development partners who looked at how the State and the county governments can fully implement beneficial agricultural policies in the country. At the meeting, Nakuru County agriculture executive Stanley Chepkwony revealed that by July 1, a new law will see farmers sell potatoes in 50kg bags. He said all potato-producing counties had agreed on the law with stiff penalties for those breaking it.

Is there a story unfolding in your community? Let Hivisasa know