Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago has asked farmers to believe in him even as a maize crisis taskforce directed for the establishment by President Uhuru Kenyatta nears the start of a probe into irregular payments by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).
Speaking at Turbo Sub County on Thursday, Mandago called for trust as the task force sets up.
"I want you to believe and trust in me because I am also a farmer who knows and has felt the impact of these irregularities in production of maize," he said.
Last week, President Uhuru Kenyatta directed the establishment of a task force to look into corruption claims and craft a long-term solution to issues haunting production of the cereal.
The President appointed Mandago and his Trans Nzoia counterpart Patrick Khaemba into the task force.
Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture Mwangi Kiunjuri will set up and chair the force, as directed by the President during the Mashujaa Day National Celebrations in Kakamega County last Saturday.
The vocal governor, however, advocated for crop diversification, saying it is time maize farmers adopt other agricultural practices that fetch money.
He also lashed out on some elected leaders whom he says are going round disapproving sensitization for diversification.
"Some leaders are busy advising you against practising a diversity of crops. This is pure sabotage when a government officer works against governments' plans and mark you, this is not just a plan, it is a plan to improve the economy of our constituents," noted Mandago.
“When we advise you to diversify by growing avocado and coffee in small portions of your land, we have made extensive research and established that there's a breakthrough here," he added.
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