Keep-off Rice Scheme, farmers tell politicians

Kerugoya,

Friday, January 19, 2024

KNA by Mutai Kipngetich

The Mwea rice farmers have raised concerns on misleading statements made by local leaders on management of the Scheme by the National Irrigation Board (NIB).

They were speaking at Ciagini in Karaba section of the Scheme, where farmers held consultative meeting to address challenges affecting them.

Led by the Chair, Mwea Rice Farmers, Peter Chege they said the statement and figures being quoted are wrong and no leader has come to consult farmers’ offices, on the day-to-day affairs of the Scheme.

 Chege said nobody should use rice farming for political gain, because it involves many stakeholders.

He said El-Nino that was witnessed Countrywide, caused impassable roads within the Scheme and plans are underway to repair them.

The Chair, however acknowledged support from the County Government of Kirinyaga, which has been assisting in the renovation, through provision of tractors, and lorries for the road improvement.

“As the Chairperson, no leader has come to my office to seek clarifications. The issue of roads was due to El-Nino that has caused havoc in several parts in the Country and plans are in progress for repair. The County Government has been providing resources,” Chege said.

Moris Mutugi, former Board Member of NIB, said the actual size of the acreage under rice crop is 25,000 acres, as opposed to 30,000 hectares quoted by area Member of Parliament (MP) in Parliament.

He also confirmed that the charges are Sh. 3,000 annually and no other extra levies.

He asked politicians to stop harassing the management of NIB, as they are public servants deployed there based on their qualifications.

“The management of NIB is qualified and they should not be harassed by any leader. Any leader should be joining hands with other stakeholders, to improve the welfare not cause cold war,” Mutugi noted.

He observed that with the completion of Thiba Dam, there is continuous flow of water, allowing the farmers to do two seasons annually.

Mutugi echoed others on the effects of El-Nino on the Scheme infrastructure.

Kimotho Maringa, farmer, urged the area MP to use parliament to raise issues affecting farmers, instead of making unsubstantiated claims on the streets.

His sentiments were echoed by Grace Nyaga, another farmer, who requested the area MP to assist farmers and work together with the irrigation management.

Earlier Mwea MP, Mary Maingi, had claimed that farmers pay Sh3,000 for first planting season and additional Sh1,000 for the second season commonly known as latoon.

 She claimed NIB collects over Sh140 million annually, but are unable to repair roads, canals, and unlock drainages.

Courtesy; KNA