President William Ruto has disclosed that his maize crop on his home farm withered due to prolonged drought conditions, highlighting the widespread impact of climate change on Kenyan farmers.
Speaking during a church service at ACK St Stephen's Chepkoilel in Uasin Gishu, the President emphasized the need to transition from reliance on rain-fed agriculture to irrigation-based farming. He noted that dependence on rainfall is no longer sufficient to guarantee food security or support agricultural exports.
To address these challenges, Ruto announced plans under the proposed National Infrastructure Fund to construct:
- 50 large dams
- 200 medium-sized dams
- 1,000 smaller water projects
These initiatives aim to enhance water harvesting and irrigation capabilities across the country.
Ruto also praised farmers in Uasin Gishu and the Western region for adopting cash crops like macadamia and coffee, pledging continued government support to expand these sectors as a means to increase incomes and strengthen the economy.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen corroborated the President's experience, stating that the North Rift region has faced significant agricultural setbacks this season. He personally observed that the President’s farm is unlikely to yield any maize harvest this year, reflecting the difficulties many farmers are encountering.
Despite these setbacks, Murkomen commended government efforts to reduce the cost of subsidized fertilizer since President Ruto took office.
Over the weekend, President Ruto visited his Kilgoris farm in Narok County, where he actively engaged in tending to his livestock. Photographs from the visit show him inspecting calves and walking through the farm, demonstrating his hands-on approach to farming amidst challenging conditions.
