Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago (right) with Agriculture CS Willy Bett during World Food day in Turbo on November 8, 2017. [Photo: Joe Khisa]
Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago has asked the government to stop the importation of maize from neighboring countries.
The Jubilee allied governor says this will allow farmers in the country to sell their produce at a better price.
Speaking during the World Food day celebrations at Mama Sarah Boit farm in Turbo, Wednesday, Mandago further called for the increase of maize prices that the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) is buying from farmers to at least Sh3,500 per 90kg bag of maize.
Currently, NCPB is buying maize from farmers at sh3,200.
"Farmers will be happier if the prices went up a little bit considering that this year they battled with fall armyworms and prolonged drought," said Mandago in presence of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett.
"We also ask that maize importation is stopped so as to allow farmers to sell the locally produces one at a better price since we have plenty in this region," he added.
The governor also called for the waiving of sh1.7 billion debt that farmers in the North Rift owe the Agricultural Finance Cooperation (AFC), a request the agriculture CS said will be considered.
"We will have a meeting with the Treasury and see how best we can handle this huge debt," Bett noted.