In Trans Nzoia County, Deputy President William Ruto concluded up his Western area public relations campaign yesterday, promising to deal with maize cartels, ensure market access for farmers and eliminate middlemen and brokers from the chain.
With over 2.2 million votes, the region is now controlled by the Azimio La Umoja One Kenya presidential candidate Raila Odinga, who has enjoyed massive support since 2007, but DP Ruto is now vying for a piece of the share.
Governors Wycliffe Oparanya (Kakamega), Wilbur Ottichilo (Vihiga), Wycliffe Wangamati (Bungoma), and Sospeter Ojamong (Busia), as well as Defense Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa and former Trade Minister Mukhisa Kituyi, have all endorsed Raila Odinga from the area.
ANC leader Musalia Mudavadi, Ford Kenya Moses Wetang’ula, Cleophas Malala and Senate Speaker Ken Lusaka are among leaders backing DP Ruto from the region.
Farming being the area’s economic lifeblood, DP Ruto promised more attention will be placed on maize growing by lowering farm input costs.
Dr. Ruto stated that he is prepared to eliminate the maize supply chain of intermediaries and cartels that profit from farmers’ sweat.
To boost the country’s food output, DP Ruto announced that his administration will implement a countrywide liming program that will improve soils.
“We must come up with a national liming programme so that we can improve the quality of our soils. We must have fertiliser that farmers can afford. I am announcing here today that when we form the next government, we will bring down the cost of fertilizer from the current Sh6,000 to Sh2,500 per 50-kilogramme bag,” said DP Ruto.
