President William Ruto recently highlighted the positive impact of reforms in Kenya’s agriculture sector, noting significant progress in increasing food production and improving the livelihoods of farmers. Speaking during an interdenominational prayer service at Kapngetik grounds in Elgeyo-Marakwet County, the President emphasized that the reforms, particularly in farm input prices, have played a pivotal role in boosting agricultural output.
One of the key reforms, according to President Ruto, is the reduction in the cost of farm inputs, especially fertiliser. This initiative has led to a notable increase in food production, with the country now producing 50% more food than it did in 2022. This has significantly improved Kenya’s food security, ensuring a more stable supply of essential crops. The President commended farmers for their hard work and commitment, which has contributed to the success of these reforms. He also urged maize farmers to continue their efforts, stressing the importance of proper fertiliser application. He suggested that with efficient use of fertiliser, farmers could expect yields of 20 to 25 bags of maize per acre.
In addition to maize, the coffee sector has also seen substantial improvements. The President pointed to reforms in licensing, milling, and buying processes that have successfully eliminated cartels, which previously hindered farmers’ ability to profit from their produce. As a result, coffee farmers are now able to sell their cherries for between Ksh110 and Ksh150, a significant increase from the average prices of Ksh50 and Ksh60 in 2022. Furthermore, the payment delays that plagued the coffee sector in the past have been addressed, with farmers now receiving payments within five days of selling their coffee. The President also noted that coffee societies are now expected to make payments to farmers within 10 days, which is a major improvement in cash flow for farmers. Reforms at the Nairobi Coffee Exchange, which now includes oversight by the Capital Markets Authority, are ensuring fairness and transparency in the sector.
The sugar industry has also benefited from the government’s reforms. President Ruto highlighted the prompt payment to both farmers and workers in the sugar sector, with farmers now receiving bonuses for the first time. He also pointed out that the country has been able to import only a small fraction of the sugar needed and is on track to begin exporting sugar due to the improved production brought about by the reforms.
Reforms in the dairy sector are also underway, with the government focusing on empowering dairy farmers, especially those who are suppliers to New KCC. These reforms are designed to place dairy farmers at the centre of milk processing operations, ultimately allowing them to take on managerial roles in the factories. The President pointed out the discrepancy between the cost of packaged milk, which sells for KSh120, and the price of fresh milk, which is KSh50 per litre. This gap, he noted, is unfair to farmers and will be addressed through ongoing reforms.
In addition to his focus on agriculture, President Ruto reiterated his commitment to improving other sectors, including healthcare. He urged Kenyans to disregard claims that the government’s Social Health Authority (SHA) programme would not succeed, assuring them that it would provide a significantly better service than the previous National Hospital Insurance Fund (NHIF). He praised county governments for embracing the SHA, noting that their claims were being processed efficiently.
President Ruto concluded his speech by calling on all Kenyans to protect children from negative influences and to stand by the government’s vision for the country’s development. He expressed confidence that those doubting the government’s progress would soon be proven wrong as the benefits of the reforms become more evident.
