Ruto announces Sh2.1 billion, new prices for maize farmers

Deputy President William Ruto has announced the release of an additional Sh2.1 billion to be paid to maize farmers from Monday, relief for thousands not yet paid for supplying maize to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).

In August, the Devolution ministry released Sh1.4 billion for deliveries made last year. This was part of the Sh3.5 billion owed to farmers.

NEW PRICES

The deputy president (DP) made the announcement at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Eldoret town during the first memorial service for the late Bishop Cornelius Korir.

"I understand that we have been facing challenges in the maize sector but as a government, we have directed the Ministry of Agriculture and the Strategic Food Reserve to pay the Sh2.1 billion that has been released starting next week," he said.

He added that the ministry and the reserve will from next week announce new maize prices ahead of this year's harvesting season.

"From next week, farmers will be told [the prices at which] the produce will be retailed. This time we want to do away with brokers, merchants and other business people who have been importing maize from outside the country and receiving payment at the expense of genuine farmers."

The DP also said the government will collaborate will counties in the North Rift to encourage farmers to diversity.

"In collaboration with counties in the North Rift, we need to start thinking of alternative high-value cash crops that will enable us do well in agriculture. The president is currently in China where he is looking for markets for horticulture and high-value crops such as avocado and coffee."

HONOURING KORIR

Mr Ruto, and other leaders who spoke at the memorial, praised Bishop Korir for his efforts to promote peace and unity among wrangling communities in the North Rift.

"As brothers and sisters, let us embrace peace and unity in remembering him. We have faith that God will give us another bishop who will fit in the big shoes left behind by Bishop Korir," he said.

Mr Ruto announced that the government has allocated Sh20 million to the construction of a school in remembrance of Bishop Korir in his rural home.

"The family should move with speed and register the school. We shall help them expedite the process," said the DP.

PEACE CRUSADER

Until his death on October 30, 2017, Bishop Korir was the chairman of the Commission of Justice and Peace.

The clergyman helped reconcile communities following the 2007/8 post-election violence. He hosted more than 300,000 people at the cathedral during the poll chaos.

Bishop Korir, who died aged 67, was buried inside the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral in Eldoret.

Maurice Crowley, acting Eldoret Catholic Diocese Bishop, said Bishop Korir, who served for more than two decades in that capacity, left a rich legacy that should be celebrated.

Bishop Dominic Kimengich of the Lodwar Diocese, who led today's mass, said he will be remembered as a peace crusader.

"He made sure all communities were united. He reconciled warring communities such as the Turkana, Pokot and Marakwet," he said.

Among those present were Uasin Gishu Governor Jackson Mandago, Nandi Deputy Governor Yulita Chebotip, and lawmakers Oscar Sudi (Kapseret), Janet Sitienei (Turbo) and William Chepkut (Ainabkoi). Also present were Petroleum and Mining Chief Administrative Secretary John Mosonik and former Cabinet minister Henry Kosgey.