After threats by a section of North Rift legislators and farmers, the government has finally released Sh978 million to pay farmers for maize delivered to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) in the 2017/18 season.
Through his official Twitter account on Friday, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri said that 227 farmers have received Sh200 million and payment of the balance of Sh778 million, accruing from last year's deliveries, is currently being processed.
"The payment is strictly meant for genuine farmers who were verified by the multi-agency team, the process is being verified at the paying point. Therefore, the farmers are requested to be patient" tweeted Kiunjuri.
The CS said NCPB staff will work throughout the weekend in accordance with President Uhuru Kenyatta's directive to complete the payments to farmers.
This comes after farmers have for the past few months complained over delayed payments which saw MPs Alfred Keter(Nandi Hills), Silas Tiren (Moiben), Baringo Central's Joshua Kandie and Sammy Seroney (nominated) threaten to mobilise farmers to demonstrate over their Sh1.4 billion debt.
The legislators threats seem to be bearing fruits after all.
Farmers who say NCPB owes them Sh3.5 billion had also resolved to join the legislators in the demonstrations across major towns in the region.
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