President Uhuru Kenyatta at Egerton University’s Ngongongeri farm, Njoro, in Nakuru County, December 1, 2017. [Photo|PSCU]

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President Uhuru Kenyatta has encouraged farmers to embrace agricultural mechanisation to boost production. He reassured that the government will remain steadfast in facilitating farmers to acquire modern farming equipment. “We encourage farmers to use modern equipment to boost production,” Kenyatta said.He was speaking on Friday at Egerton University’s Ngongongeri farm, Njoro, in Nakuru County where he presided over the official opening of the 64th World Ploughing Contest. In his inauguration speech last Tuesday, the President said his government would give every help to Kenya’s farmers in the quest for mechanization as well as the transformation of agriculture into a booming industry.“My government aspires to transform agriculture by processing over 50 percent of agro-products and crops,” he said.Kenyatta’s Administration has waived import taxes on agricultural machinery and equipment in support of farmers.Government’s efforts to encourage farmers to adopt mechanisation has also seen the establishment of agricultural mechanisation stations in the last six months to offer agricultural machinery to farmers across the country at a price within their reach.Before officially opening the plowing contest, Kenyatta witnessed, first-hand, the competitors demonstrating their ploughing skills on their assigned plots before he toured exhibitions at the site. Speaking at the event, Agriculture Livestock and Fisheries Cabinet Secretary Willy Bett said the contest provided an opportunity for farmers to improve their farming skills – a move that would increase production as Kenya looks to entrench food security. “Farmers will learn a lot from the equipment being used here in this contest. This will surely boost production,” the Cabinet Secretary said.The CS welcomed the plowing contest, saying it was the second time the competition was being held in Kenya. The first was held in the country in 1995.Other speakers included Nakuru Governor Lee Kinyanjui, the World Ploughing Organisation Chairman Collins Millar, and his Secretary-General Anna Marie.