Lusaka to MPs: Resist the urge to get involved in procurement of coolers

By Peter Ochieng

Bungoma governor Kenneth Lusaka has maintained that agriculture is a devolved function.

Lusaka who doubles up as chairman of the agriculture committee in the Council of Governors (COG), reiterated that agriculture is a devolved function, adding that counties should be supported fully to secure sustainable outcomes that will benefit the farmers.

Speaking in Mombasa on Monday during the intergovernmental forum on agriculture, governor Lusaka called for urgent implementation of proposed reviews by the council on legislative and regulatory frameworks.

The implementation, he said, will go a long way in smoothening value chains as well as weeding out unethical practices.

“Agriculture is not merely an economic sector. It is the backbone of our counties, a source of livelihoods for millions and a cornerstone for food security in our nation. It is therefore critical that we cease every opportunity to work together, align our objectives and achieve the transformation we envision for this sector,” said Lusaka.

The County boss implored the national government to transfer resources allocated for the procurement and distribution of subsidised fertiliser for the financial year 2025-2026 to the respective counties.

He insisted the move will in turn prevent duplication of duties, instead strengthening the current farm input support program by counties.

Lusaka told Members of Parliament (MPS) to resist the urge of involving themselves in the procurement of milk coolers for cooperatives in the counties, stating that such overlap undermines the role of counties since agriculture is a devolved function.

“We’ve heard rumours that Members of Parliament want to participate in the acquisition of coolers. Agriculture as it has been said and as we all know is a devolved function. Let the counties be more involved in the aspect of coolers.”

The forum provided a platform for actors in the agriculture sector to interact, share and identify barriers against effective implementation of programs at both levels of government.

It was graced by Cabinet Secretary (CS) for Agriculture Andrew Karanja.