President Uhuru Kenyatta on Saturday appointed Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago to a task force that will be mandated to bringing a permanent solution to the problems haunting maize production in the country.
Speaking during the Mashujaa day celebrations in Kakamega County, the President said the task force will comprise of governor Mandago and his Trans Nzoia counterpart Patrick Khaemba and chaired by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri.
Trans Nzoia and Uasin Gishu are the leading maize growing counties in the country.
“I authorize that the task force is constituted to look into a lasting solution for the maize crisis in our country," said the President.
In his speech that addressed problems in maize and sugar cane growing, the President said he will personally follow up even as last year's maize debts continue being paid.
"Those people eating money meant for our farmers will not hide, I will personally make a follow up until all have been paid," he said.
The Head of State also asked CS Kiunjuri to track down and bring forth names of cartels posing as farmers and filling cereals board stores with imported maize.
President Kenyatta also disclosed plans for the government's intervention to ensure that costs of production in agriculture are reduced.
The President's directive comes two days after Mandago hosted Council of Governor's chair Josephat Nanok in a maize crisis meeting where strict resolutions were made, including asking the government to urgently step in.
Watch the video of the president's directive on maize crisis here.
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