Murang’a County Assembly has adopted a report outlining the agricultural, livestock, and fisheries committee’s annual work plan for the 2024/2025 financial year. The report, presented by the Chairperson of the committee, Pauline Muchiri, provides details on the key activities to be implemented, timelines for completion, performance indicators, and the allocated budget for the upcoming year.
The committee has earmarked Sh54.15 billion to assist 57,000 households by providing one packet of hybrid maize to each household. Additionally, Sh36 million has been allocated for planting and top-dressing fertilizers to ensure better crop growth. The maize distribution and fertilizer program have already begun, with the first phase of distribution completed successfully.
In addition to the maize and fertilizer program, the committee has allocated Sh10 million to support the vaccination of 353,658 cattle across the county. This initiative is aimed at improving livestock health and productivity. The fisheries program has also received a Sh5.3 million allocation for the construction and stocking of fishponds throughout the county. This investment aims to promote sustainable fisheries and increase local fish production.
Muchiri emphasized the viability and importance of these initiatives, explaining that they were developed in consultation with the County Executive Committee (CEC) member in charge of agriculture. She believes the programs will significantly benefit Murang’a residents by boosting agricultural production, improving livestock health, and enhancing fish farming.
The funding for these programs will be provided by the Murang’a County government, ensuring that these vital agricultural and livestock services are supported throughout the financial year.
While supporting the adoption of the report, Isaac Chefman, the Member of County Assembly (MCA) for Kahumbu ward, raised concerns regarding the distribution of maize seeds. He suggested that farmers should be required to present land ownership documents to ensure that the seeds are only provided to those with land to cultivate. Chefman pointed out that a small plot, such as a 50 by 100 piece of land, would not be suitable for a full packet of maize seeds, and thus the quantity of seeds allocated should be proportional to the size of the farmer’s land. This would ensure that the program benefits those who genuinely need it for agricultural purposes.
Chefman also proposed that Murang’a undergo zone mapping to identify the specific factors affecting maize yields in different areas. By doing so, the county would be able to determine the best type of seed to use for different regions, improving the effectiveness of the maize program.
In addition, Chefman called for the committee to conduct benchmarking trips to successful agricultural and fisheries projects in other parts of the country, such as the Wamagana Fish Factory in Nyeri. These visits would provide valuable insights into best practices that could be implemented to enhance the productivity of the fisheries sector in Murang’a.
The adoption of the report was supported by other MCAs, including Township ward MCA Charles Machigo and Mugoiri MCA John Kamwaga, both of whom are members of the committee. Their endorsement of the report reflects a shared commitment to enhancing the agricultural, livestock, and fisheries sectors in Murang’a and ensuring that the county’s residents benefit from the proposed initiatives.
The implementation of these programs is expected to have a significant impact on the county’s economy, improving food security, livestock health, and fish farming productivity. The successful execution of the work plan will require ongoing collaboration between the County Assembly, government departments, and local farmers to ensure the goals are met effectively and sustainably.
