National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula has urged the government to offer better prices for maize farmers through state buyouts to cushion them from exploitation by middlemen.
Wetang’ula expressed fears that maize farmers risk falling prey to middlemen who were eyeing their bumper harvest through low pricing.
He was speaking at the Presbyterian Church of East Africa (PCEA) Elburgon parish, Molo Constituency where he was a chief guest during the church’s centenary celebrations.
“I have visited many maize-growing regions in the country and realised that farmers have made a bumper harvest,” Wetang’ula said.
“This is as a result of measures put in place by the government such as the provision of subsidized fertilizer and favourable climate among others.”
He noted that the National and county governments should work closely to secure storage facilities for farmers and wade off fear of selling due to unpredictable markets.
“Farmers have been selling their maize to middlemen because they lack storage facilities,” he said.
While recognizing the role the church played in the promotion of education, health and peace, Wetang’ula noted that it has been stable because it was built on a formidable foundation by its founders.
He commended the head of the Parish Rev. Julius Mwamba for transforming the Parish to greater heights in both spiritual and development spheres.
Wetang’ula expressed his gratitude to residents of Molo constituency for choosing peace and cohesion after the region was worst hit by tribal clashes.
“Molo is the face of Kenya because it is the home of nearly all tribes in Kenya. It is good that leaders and residents have chosen peace after suffering the pain of tribal clashes,” he said.
While responding to pleas by leaders to intervene and have tribal clashes victims living in slums get decent houses, he noted that their challenges will be addressed by the affordable housing programme rolled out by President William Ruto.
Area Member of Parliament Kimani Kuria on the other hand said 5,000 units will be constructed under the affordable housing project noting that those displaced by clashes will be given priority.
Kimani who is also the chairperson of the Parliamentary Committee on Finance blamed the deteriorating exchange rates for hoarding of dollars by banks.
He said banks were hoarding dollars to make a kill on foreign exchange and asked them to be patriotic and save Kenyans from suffering.
“When other financial institutions are making losses due to deteriorating exchange rates, commercial banks are making abnormal profits,” he said.
