FAHAMU NETWORK

The Kenya Seed Company has urged merchants of its maize seed products to reduce their prices in line with the government's subsidy programme. The company's Managing Director, Sammy Chepsiror, stated that the company's subsidised retail maize seed price of Sh 210 per kilogram should be reflected in their prices. "We expect all accredited stockists and seed agents to comply with the price reduction following the subsidy programme," Mr Chepsiror said at the company's sponsored golf tournament at Kitale Club. The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Dr Paul Rono, recently said the government disbursed Sh 1 billion to the Seed Company to support the subsidy programme. The company has so far distributed 18 million kilograms of seed maize to farmers across the country, with 12 million kilograms still in stock. "We have enough seed to meet the demand of farmers. We urge farmers to purchase their seed from our certified stockists to avoi...

Efforts are being made to rejuvenate the Girl Guide Movement in schools across Trans Nzoia County, which had previously gone dormant. The Kenya Girl Guides Association (KGGA) organised a two-day skilling programme for volunteer teachers from the five subcounties. The association's county commissioner, Rashid Mwananisha, stated that the event aimed to equip educators with the necessary knowledge and skills to train future Girl Guide leaders, thereby bringing new energy to the movement. "This initiative is particularly significant, as the Girl Guides movement had been dormant in the region for some time. The goal is to revive it and ensure its sustainability," said Mrs. Mwananisha. The training, held at Kitale School, attracted over 55 trainees from 55 schools across the county, with the goal of ensuring the movement establishes its presence in every school. “We are training these teachers to become trainers themselves, who will then go on to teach and empower m...

Kenya and Uganda have formalized a landmark agreement aimed at the sustainable management, conservation, and protection of the Mt Elgon Cross-Border Biosphere Reserve.  The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed by officials from both countries, with the ecosystem playing a crucial role in the livelihoods of millions across East Africa and beyond.  The ecosystem is a vital water tower, feeding into the Great River Nile and various other river systems that serve Kenya, Uganda, Sudan, and Egypt. Leading the Kenyan delegation were Principal Secretaries Ms. Sylvia Museiya (Environment and Forestry) and PS Gitonga Mugambi (Tourism, Wildlife, and Heritage). Uganda’s delegation was led by PS Doreen Katusiime from the Ministry of Tourism, Wildlife & Antiquities. Ms. Museiya emphasized the biosphere's importance in balancing the relationship between flora, fauna, and human life.  “It is possible to ensure that both the ecosystem and people thrive together. I...

When Mr. Zablon Obiri resigned from his teaching role at Kapenguria Boys High School to run for the Kwanza parliamentary seat in 2017, he never imagined he would become a full-time farmer. After clearing with the Teachers Service Commission, the educator, born and raised at Goseta farm, secured a Jubilee Party ticket and hit the campaign trail. Although the outcome of the election was not in his favour, Mr. Obiri learned from the experience and focused on his next venture, deciding not to return to teaching. "I decided to go straight into farming because I had bought land at Simatwet Gutongoria farm in Sirende ward," Mr. Obiri shared from his farm. The farm has sections featuring a Blue gum tree farm, a maize farm, a Dorper sheep unit, and a dairy farm unit. He explained that planting 13 acres of Blue gums has been very profitable, along with producing around 70 liters of milk per day. The sale of sheep has also been profitable, with an adult Doper fetching approx...

The Ministry of Agriculture has acquired an additional 50, 000 tonnes of planting fertilizer to meet the shortage occasioned by a surge in demand. Agriculture Principal Secretary Rono said the consignment of 1 million 50 kg bags will add up to the 3 million bags so far been distributed to farmers since December. "We had anticipated a demand of 3.5 million bags, but there has been an upsurge in demand necessitating the need to acquire additional fertilizer," Mr. Rono said at the National Cereals and Produce Board Kitale depot. He added that the government has issued Sh 1 billion to the Kenya Seed Company to support its subsidizing of seed maize at Sh 210 per 1 kg. "The Kenya Seed Company has so far distributed 18 million kilos of seed maize to farmers across the country, with 12 million kilos still in stock," said the PS. He said while the Kenya Seed Company's capacity will meet 65% of the Kenyan maize seed demand, private firms are urged to meet the...

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has pledged to take on the role of speaking for the people, following ODM leader Raila Odinga's decision to work with President William Ruto. Expressing his disappointment over Odinga's move, Natembeya emphasized that the government needs to be held accountable by the opposition. "Raila has betrayed us by relinquishing his role as opposition leader in favor of an MOU with President Ruto, which has the blessings of the Azimio coalition," Natembeya said during a maize seed distribution event for farmers in Sikehndi. While acknowledging the respect he has for the presidency, Natembeya made it clear that he would not hesitate to criticize the government's actions. "The president must understand that all is not well in the country. He should focus on addressing the issues affecting Kenyans instead of engaging in rallies," he noted. The Governor also called on the Luhya community to move beyond leaders who are ...

Officials of the Orange Democratic Movement party (ODM) in Trans Nzoia have voiced their frustration with the party's leadership for excluding the region from political rewards. The frustrated officials, alongside party members who staged protests in Kitale town, stated that the recent betrayal, which saw Saboti MP Caleb Amisi's name dropped from the appointment as chairperson of the Public Accounts Committee, with Butere’s Tindi Mwale replacing him, marks the peak of the region's exclusion. The ODM county secretary John Simiyu said the region, which is in Rift Valley, has suffered similar blows since 2013, with what is due for them being taken to the western region. "We feel sidelined yet we have been so loyal to the party's direction regarding coalitions and voting for our party leader," said Mr. Simiyu. He wondered how the Saboti MP's name was dropped, yet the party's central management committee had proposed him to take over...

Three sons of a prominent large-scale farmer from Kundos village in Endebess, Trans Nzoia, are seeking justice after allegedly being brutally attacked on their family farm by a group of 40 men. The incident, which took place last week, left the brothers with severe injuries as they were assaulted while trying to defend their family’s land. Meshack Saina, Abraham Saina, and Job Saina, sons of Mr. James Saina, were confronted by the group which accompanied a man claiming ownership of 0.5 acres of the larger land parcel. The land in question was reportedly sold by Mr. Saina’s daughter to the man who now claims his right to the small portion of the vast property. According to Abraham Saina, one of the injured brothers, the ordeal began when a neighbor alerted them to suspicious activity on their farm. “On Thursday at 9 PM, I received a phone call that someone was demarcating the land. I gathered my brothers, and after confirming the incident, we reported it as a case of trespas...

Youths staged demonstrations in Kitale town to protest the exclusion of Saboti MP Caleb Amisi from the position of chairman of the Public Accounts Committee, which was instead given to Butere MP Tindi Mwale. The ODM party had initially settled on the Member of Parliament to take over the position from John Mbadi, who vacated it to assume the treasury cabinet position. The angry youths, who set bonfires in the town, accused members of parliament from the Nyanza region of orchestrating the move to deny Mr. Amisi the appointment. "The Saboti MP defied all odds to popularize the party in this Rift Valley region. We are unhappy with this development, yet ODM is a national party," said Mr. Benson Mukhwana. They voiced their disappointment, stating that the Raila Odinga-led party had let down supporters from the region who had been loyal to him. "Caleb is responsible for the popularity of ODM in Trans Nzoia, having secured a parliamentary seat twice and two MCA slot...

Trans Nzoia Governor, George Natembeya, today launched a free seed maize distribution initiative aimed at supporting smallholder farmers across the region.  The exercise was launched in Sinyereri Ward, where farmers received packets of maize seeds from the Kenya Seed Company, specifically the variety 6213. Governor Natembeya emphasized the county government's commitment to boosting maize production through direct support for small-scale farmers.  "We have made deliberate efforts as a county government to support small-scale farmers to enhance their maize production," he stated. The programme, which will extend to all 25 wards in Trans Nzoia, aims to relieve farmers from the financial burden of purchasing seeds.  "This is a 100% subsidy program designed to enhance agricultural production for improved food security," the Governor added. Natembeya also called on the National Government to consider subsidizing the cost of planting fertilizers...

Calls for political unity in Western Kenya took center stage during the tribute service for the late Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) commissioner Wafula Chebukati at his Sabata farm home in Kiminini, Trans Nzoia." National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula said it is prudent for leaders in the region to work in unity instead of focusing on supremacy battles. "It is in the best interest of our community to come together as one to champion our interests instead of engaging in fights," said Mr. Wetang'ula. Kiminini Member of Parliament Kakai Bisau stated that the time has come for the region to unite under one political umbrella for future political endeavors. "We have no space for divisive politics being furthered by leaders who are hell-bent on attacking others. We are being reduced to a laughing stock," said Mr. Bisau. Bungoma Governor Ken Lusaka said the region will only achieve stronger political gains if it learns t...

Likuyani Member of Parliament Innocent Mugabe has condemned leaders from the Luhya community who have been attacking National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula. Speaking during a service in honour of the late Wafula Chebukati at Sabata Farm in Kiminini Constituency, Mugabe stressed the importance of unity within the Western Kenya region. Mugabe expressed regret that some community leaders were working against Wetang'ula instead of offering their support. "It's time for us leaders from Western Kenya not to step on the toes of Mr. Wetang'ula because he is one of our equals," Mr. Mugabe stated. He urged fellow leaders to be cautious and avoid undermining Wetang'ula, a key figure in the national political arena. He went on to emphasize that instead of attacking Wetang'ula, the leaders should rally behind him and work together for the greater good of the community. The Likuyani MP further emphasized that the unity of the Luhya community is cruci...

Saboti Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has stood firm in his approach to politics, emphasizing the need for principled leadership in defending the interests of Kenyans.  Speaking at the funeral of the late Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Chairman, Wafula Chebukati, Mr. Amisi praised Chebukati's steadfast leadership, noting that, like the late chairman, he intends to uphold his principles in politics. “Chebukati was a firm leader who stood his ground in election management. This is the kind of politics we should practice,” Amisi stated. The legislator also commented on Luhya unity, criticizing certain leaders he accused of engaging in what he described as “juvenile politics” that lacks strategic thought. “Politics is a game of strategies, not just rallying crowds. Those who rely on this brand of politics will not go far,” he asserted. Amisi further condemned those making insensitive remarks regarding Chebukati’s death, calling them out for mocking...

Trans Nzoia County Commissioner Gideon Oyagi has issued a directive prohibiting mourners from wearing political attire during the funeral of former Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Commissioner Chairman Wafula Chebukati on Saturday. Commissioner Oyagi stated that the police will be on high alert to handle any politician or  agents from any political faction who may be intent on turning the ceremony into a battleground for political supremacy. He emphasized that no mourner will be allowed to access the venue while drunk, bring any disruptive items such as whistles or vuvuzelas, or arrive with an escort of hooligans. "The funeral will not be a political rally. Any political group intending to bring along supporters or individuals with an agenda to disrupt the proceedings will not be allowed," stated Mr. Oyagi during an official briefing. The late Mr. Chebukati’s body was airlifted to Kitale on Thursday, where it was initially taken to his paren...

Trans Nzoia Woman Representative Lilian Siyoi has expressed deep concern over the increasing cases of teenage pregnancies in the county, fearing that the future of many young girls is at risk due to sexual exploitation and subsequent pregnancies. Mrs. Siyoi stated that it is very unfortunate that men are taking advantage of young girls by luring them with pleasantries, noting that such exploitation leaves many teenage girls' futures hanging in the balance. She called on law enforcement agencies to ensure that perpetrators face the full force of the law to address this issue effectively. She also condemned the practice where some parents and guardians accept compensation from offenders, allowing them to evade long-term conviction. "I condemn the habit where some parents and guardians seek compensation from perpetrators, thus enabling them to escape proper legal consequences," she noted at the launch of the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) bur...

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has challenged President William Ruto to apply the same zeal he demonstrated in supporting Raila Odinga’s bid for the African Union Commission (AUC) seat in tackling Kenya's critical economic problems. Governor Natembeya accused the government of being inconsistent in carrying out its duties, while diverting attention to irrelevant matters that do not address the nation's core problems. “It’s unfair for the government, under President Ruto’s leadership, to flip-flop on its mandate while prioritizing side issues. We want to see the government use the same vigor they employed in campaigning for Raila Odinga to secure jobs for the unemployed youth,” Natembeya stated. The Governor highlighted the urgent need to tackle unemployment, especially among the youth. He spoke to the mourners during the burial of Mr. Joseph Wekesa Murefu at Matisi. The deceased was the husband of Senior Chief Janet Wekesa. Governor Natembeya also downplayed...

Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has dismissed the hopes of his rivals, who are counting on him leaving his seat to run for the Trans Nzoia governorship in the 2027 General Elections. Amisi criticized his competitors for losing sight of the electorate's priorities in the cosmopolitan constituency and, instead, basing their campaign strategy on speculation about his next political move. “The kind of campaign strategies being employed by my competitors are lightweight. They should not make me their agenda. I am focused on serving my people and will not be deterred by these distractions," Amisi stated. He spoke at the burial of Mr. Joseph Wekesa Murefu in Matisi. The late Mr. Murefu was the husband of Senior Chief Janet Wekesa. The second-term MP stressed that anyone looking to challenge him for the Saboti seat in 2027 should brace themselves for a tough and highly competitive election. "If these are the types of competitors I’ll face in 2027, then they have a long way to g...