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"id": 784115,
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"content": "We cannot have food security without food production. We cannot have adequate food production without having the necessary food inputs and implements. For the first time in a period of ten years, I saw some statistics showing Kenya had a bumper harvest of maize. To ensure that we have sustainable and bumper harvest of maize that comes from Uasin Gishu region, the entire North Rift and the rest of the country, we should have consistency of farm inputs and implements. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, right now, we are in the planting season. I hope that the authorities that have been set, for example, the digitalization and the mapping systems will be able to deliver. As I speak today, most of our farmers in Nandi and Uasin Gishu counties cannot get enough fertilizer. There have been allegations that some of the tenderpreneurs that Sen. Murkomen had referred to, imported the top dressing fertilizer which we do not need during this season instead of importing DAP fertilizer. Therefore, going forward, I agree with some of the issues that have been raised, including mapping and digitalization. For example, if a person has two acres of land and they want to transport fertilizer from Mosoriot National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), they do not need to undergo a vigorous process of getting the chief, the assistant chief or the county commissioner to write a letter for them. There are also allegations of corruption, for example, in Mosop Depot where people are paying Kshs2,000 to Kshs2,500 to be supplied with farm inputs. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, this Bill is critical to farmers so that in future, we do not have to wait for the rains. The rains that have caused flash floods had been predicted. However, farmers are not ready for the planting season because we have not put in place measures. The Senate Majority Leader has emphasised the need to ensure that we have mapping systems which are digitalized. After this planting season, next year we will have a planting season. Let us release fertilizer to farmers as early as November or December. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, I agree with the aspect of diversity of crops production. In this country, for example, if one does not eat ugali, they feel like they have not eaten. Therefore, let us diversify our crops so that we can have diversity. Mr. Temporary Speaker, Sir, as I finish, relief food has been an issue. Now that I am a very loyal and committed student of the Senate Majority Leader, I want to go straight to the point and emphasis on the part of offence and penalties. I am happy that Sen. Ndwiga also mentioned this issue of alleged corrupt chiefs and food distribution officers in drought affected areas, especially in ASAL. For example, in Samburu County, chiefs sell food that is meant for distribution although it is indicated that “not for sale.” I agree that the penalty must be very harsh. I agree that someone who is found to have diverted food that was meant for distribution should pay a fine of more than Kshs10 million. The penalties from Kshs200,000 to Kshs10 million are important. There have been allegations of corruption in distribution of fertilizer in NCPB in Mosoriot, Lessos and Eldoret. If someone is found taking a bribe of Kshs2,000 from farmers, he should be punished for threatening food production. We should ensure food security because it is one of the key pillars of the President’s Big Four agenda in this country. Therefore, I totally agree with the penalties prescribed in this Bill. Our people should know about them so that they take this issue of food production seriously. The electronic version of the Senate Hansard Report is for information purposes only. A certified version of this Report can be obtained from the Hansard Editor, Senate."
}