Nakuru Agriculture CEC Dr Immaculate Njuthe (right) receives, on behalf of Governor Lee, an artifact from Mrs Isabelle Spindler, the managing director of Red Lands Roses for gracing the 54th AEA AGM in Naivasha on Nov 23, 2017. [Photo: Suleiman Mbatiah]
As one way of spurring agricultural growth, Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui has called for sound industrial relations and fair practices within agricultural firms in the county.
Kinyanui said many a time workers have laid down tools citing oppressive laws and poor or non-payments leading to massive economical losses.
According to the County Chief, sound labor laws will ensure growth of the sector hence economic boost to the county.
This, he said in his speech read by Agriculture CEC Dr Immaculate Njuthe during the 54th AGM of the Agricultural Employers Association at Flower Business Park in Naivasha.
“My government is prioritizing on agricultural development to steer growth in Nakuru and the nation at large,” he said.
The Agricultural Employers Association is a voluntary member based farmer organization representing the collective interests of employers in the industry in matters connected with labor.
It is an affiliate to Kenya Private Sector Alliance (KEPSA), Agricultural Industry Network (AIN) and Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM).
This year's theme, enhancing agricultural productivity through devolution, stresses the need for private-public partnership in realizing economic growth.
The sector accounts for 65 per cent of the country’s export earnings with Nakuru leading due to its booming signature flowers, fruits and vegetable industry.
Governor Lee said the county welcomes any investor in the agricultural sector who seeks to set base in Nakuru.
It should be noted that Agriculture is key to Kenya's economy, contributing 26 per cent of the GDP and another 27 per cent of indirectly through linkages with other sectors.