Last updated on March 2nd, 2024 at 05:51 pm
- Narok County aims to register approximately 200,000 farmers as part of the ongoing National Agriculture Value Chain Development Project.
- Governor Patrick Ntutu emphasized the importance of this effort in identifying and planning for the county’s significant farming population, comprising over 70% of its residents.
- The initiative also seeks to provide employment opportunities to jobless youth, with plans to extend their work periods and enroll them in the National Health and Insurance Fund (NHIF) for broader social benefits.
Narok County has set its sights on registering roughly 200,000 farmers as part of the ongoing National Agriculture Value Chain Development Project. During a ceremony that involved the swearing-in of 453 enumerators and the signing of contracts for 48 supervisors, Governor Patrick Ntutu highlighted the critical role this endeavor plays in the county.
Ntutu expressed his concerns about the high youth unemployment rate in the region, stressing his administration’s commitment to extending employment opportunities for recruited youth beyond the registration process. He assured them of future income-generating activities and access to the NHIF to ensure every household has health coverage.
The governor cautioned enumerators against sharing the collected data, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and confidentiality. He explained that this data collection will aid the government in addressing challenges like disease control and providing essential agricultural inputs such as fertilizers and seeds.
Narok County Commissioner Isaac Masinde encouraged all farmers, including those previously registered, to participate in the new program. He highlighted the county’s agricultural potential in producing wheat, sugarcane, potatoes, maize, and barley. Enumerators were instructed to conduct house-to-house visits, and registration was declared free of charge, with strict consequences for any enumerator soliciting favors for registration.
Masinde also urged farmers to take advantage of reduced fertilizer prices at the National Cereal and Produce Board (NCPB). Going forward, only registered farmers will benefit from government programs, with a bag of fertilizer currently priced at Sh. 2500.
Allan Meng’ati, the county attorney, warned enumerators of legal consequences if they disclose data, provide false information, or misuse collected data, including potential 12-month jail terms or a Sh. 500,000 fine.
Joyce Keshe, Narok County Executive Committee Member in Charge of Agriculture, outlined the daily earnings for supervisors and enumerators. The program receives sponsorship from the World Bank in collaboration with the County Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries.
Narok County, under the Kenya Kwanza administration, remains committed to empowering agriculture and securing the nation’s food supply.
Credit: By Ann Salaton