A move by the county government of Kisii to purchase and distribute banana suckers to farmers has elicited mixed reactions from a section of county residents.
Agriculture County Executive Vincent Sagwe had announced a partnership with Unites States Agency for International Development (USAID) on Thursday that would see farmers from the bananas-oriented county receive donations to boost their farming.
A section of the residents questioned the criteria that would be used to distribute the modern suckers.
“I fully support the county government on this because it is going to give us a chance to improve our farming. We have been using traditional suckers which take a long time to mature but at least the suckers that have been introduced will substantially reduce the maturity time,” said Jennifer Kemunto, a banana vendor in Municipal market.
However, Beatrice Orucho, who has been in the business for more than 20 years supported the initiative but questioned the criteria that will be used to identify the beneficiaries.
“At least all residents are banana farmers, therefore, I think that will be a way of embezzling public funds. They have not told us how they will identify genuine beneficiaries. You cannot probably give everyone the offer,” she said.
Mr Sagwe, who launched the project on Thursday at the county government headquarters did not disclose the criteria that would be used to distribute the modern banana suckers to the farmers.