Some farmers from Kabazi Ward in Subukia Constituency have received subsidised fertiliser and bean seeds from the county government.
This is amid allegations that there was massive corruption in identifying the beneficiaries.
Speaking on Monday at Kabazi DO’s office grounds while receiving the subsidies, the residents said that some of the beneficiaries do not deserve to benefit from the programme as they are known to own cattle and bodaboda motorbikes.
“The committee that was identifying the needy in this ward listed their relatives. Openly, their wives, in-laws, sisters and brothers lined up to receive beans and fertiliser,” said Mwangi Mwaura one the residents who was witnessing the distribution.
The 75 beneficiaries received six kilogrammes of beans and 25kgs of fertilisers each.
However, area MCA Mwangi Waithaka, who is also the county assembly agricultural committee chairman, said the inputs were few hence the small number of beneficiaries which represented all areas from the ward.
“Last year in the same programme, 300 farmers from each ward received free farm inputs. We will ensure that the county government allocates more funds to the ministry of agriculture. Some of this money should go to extension officers who will train farmers on the best farming practices to ensure there is food sustainability,” he said.
He added that the extension officers should be given motorbikes to enable them reach many farmers.
Sub-county agricultural officer Kenneth Muiruri urged the farmers not to sell the seeds and to plant them during the short rains in September.
The programme is costing the county government Sh15 million and targets 75 needy and vulnerable residents from each ward.