The government is now set to begin registering farmers countrywide for easier distribution of subsidized fertilizer as well as to guide them on the development of key agricultural policies.
This comes after President William Ruto recently directed for the creation of a digitized national register to weed out impostors and rogue traders who have been exploiting farmers.
Interior PS Dr. Raymond Omollo joined Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi graced and launched the Training of Trainers (ToT) of Assistant County Commissioners on registration of farmers for the fertilizer subsidy programme event.
Omollo said the exercise will be voluntary and urged NGAOs to uphold inclusivity, integrity and fairness throughout the registration process.
During the month-long exercise, fertilizer will be distributed to registered farmers ahead of the planting season. Omollo said no one will be coerced into giving their personal details when the process begins.
Issuing a stern warning to the national government administrative officers who will participate in the process, the PS told them to act diligently and avoid misusing the information for other purposes or gains.
“The National Government Administration has been embraced as the grassroots structure to spearhead public education, awareness raising, mobilization, identification and registration of farmers countrywide for consideration in the distribution of the fertilizer,” said Dr. Omollo.
“We must give all our support to this exercise, not only because it is a government policy but also as a civic duty and responsibility to our fellow citizens.”
The PS however warned of decisive action against any government field officer found misusing the free registration programme for personal gain.