Cows feeding. A nominee said agriculture and livestock department is responsible for food security for residents. Photo/Daily Nation
The vetting of Nairobi County executive nominees ended on Tuesday, with most of them promising to revolutionalise service delivery if approved.
Hard pressed to explain why the City needs agriculture and livestock docket, nominee Danvas Makori said the department is responsible for food security for residents.
"What most people don't understand is that my docket is not only about production, but deals with food system from transportation, inspection and consumption. It ensures that there is security and safety in the city," he said, as quoted by The Standard.
Makori, who holds a doctorate in Theology, noted that urban agriculture constituted 15 per cent of food consumed in Nairobi and simultaneously promised to increase its productivity.
"I am very keen on promoting urban agriculture such as utilisation of rooftops to grow produce. My department will also set up green houses in the 17 sub-counties in Nairobi," he said.
The nominee asked the county assembly to legislate on laws that prohibit farming near rivers.
"Produce from such areas are contaminated with toxic waste and thus not safe for human consumption," Makori added.