Lusaka calls for strengthening of county agricultural steering committees

By Peter Ochieng

Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka on Tuesday urged county governments to take decisive measures, aimed at addressing issues plaguing Kenya’s agricultural sector.

Addressing County Executive Committee Members (CECMs) in Naivasha, Nakuru County, Lusaka who doubles up chairman of the agriculture committee in the Council of Governors (CoG) emphasised agriculture's critical role in the national economy.

He said the sector contributes 33% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), besides providing direct and indirect jobs for 60% of the population.

Agricultural policies, Lusaka stressed, greatly impact both economic production and the social fabric of counties, calling for strategies to tackle pressing challenges, including climate change adaptation, population pressure, and evolving global market demands.

The former Senate Speaker advocated for robust legislative efforts to protect county autonomy in agricultural management, urging county leaders to engage actively with Parliament on pending legislation that affects devolved functions.

Agricultural financing, food safety and land reforms, Lusaka said, are some of the pressing issues affecting the sector, emphasising on the importance of localised, needs-based policies.

“Enhanced funding and reforms that empower counties are essential to achieving food security and building economic resilience,” he stated.

The governor cautioned against any attempt to return power delegated to county governments as far as the running of the agricultural sector is concerned, warning that such actions would undermine the progress achieved under devolution. Agriculture and health are some of the functions which were devolved, upon the advent of county governments in 2013.

Similarly, he recommended strengthening County Agricultural Sector Steering Committees (CASSCOMs), so as to enhance coordination and resource management in agricultural planning.

“With donor support playing a vital role in various initiatives, I call for aligning projects with county priorities, effective management, and accountability to maximise community benefits,” he added.

He insisted on the need for collaboration, strategic reforms, and empowering farmers, stating that the future of our food security and economic growth depends on the decisions we make now.