Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Daniel Chemno has asked the government to 'put the farmer first' if the food security dream is anything to bank on.
This comes even as cereal growers grapple with a myriad of challenges, including but not limited to, uncertainty in the purchase of their maize and less supply of planting fertilizer.
Maize farmers are staring at uncertainty following a glut facing National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and lack of funds to purchase more.
Also, as the sowing season continues, planting fertilizer is reported to have been supplied in volumes that cannot meet the amount required.
Speaking during a farmers' meeting in Eldoret, Chemno asked the government to prioritize on prompt and best services to farmers.
"The government's big four pillars which have food security as one of them cannot be achieved if farmers are not motivated," said Chemno.
The DG regretted government’s plans to purchase maize from neighboring Uganda yet farmers may be locked out with their hundreds of tonnes of maize.
NCPB was reported to have exhausted the Sh7 billion allocation in maize purchase.
"We still have immense produce lain in the queues, the money used to buy maize from Uganda should be channeled to cereals board to continue with the purchase of farmers' crop," added Chemno.
He also said Eldoret's Tsusho Fertilizer Plant should be funded to supply fertilizer, then issues as delay will not be encountered anymore.
"We have a plant here making manure. Why do we still need to import manure that reaches farmers late into the sowing season?" he quizzed.
"...and by the way, Tsusho plant conducted studies on soils across North Rift, most of our soils are getting more acidic, therefore, blend fertilizer, which is being produced in Eldoret, offers a solution." noted the Jubilee Deputy governor.