Kesses lawmaker Julius Ruto calls for probe on ‘Uhuru’ subsidies
By Stanley KimugeKesses MP Julius Rutto has called for a special committee to probe into food subsidies, claiming the government lost billions in the program.
The lawmaker who is a member of the finance committee in the National Assembly also confirmed a proposal to introduce subsidies was really shot down in the House.
“Those complaining over the high cost of food should give us break because we know they are responsible for this mess,
“Yesterday we passed the supplementary budget and did not include allocation for subsidies because of how it was managed in the past,” he explained.
“The current administration will focus on farm production as opposed to subsidies.”
He made the remarks at the Eldoret Agricultural Society of Kenya show where he officiated the opening as the chief guest.
Former president Uhuru Kenyatta introduced subsidies on maize flour (Unga) and fuel in 2022. He argued the subsidies will cushion the farmers against the high cost of living.
President William Ruto dropped the subsidy program upon assuming office, claiming the government was losing a lot of money to cartels.
The MP noted the event provides an avenue for farmers to learn about the latest technologies aimed at mitigating against effects of climate change.
He attributed the food shortages to delayed rains and scarcity of water and an increasing population.
Eldoret ASk vice chair Silas Maiyo said that the show had attracted local and international exhibitors.
The four-day event has attracted over 150 exhibitors including leading research institutions such as Kenya Seed company, Kenya Agricultural Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro), New KCC, Uasin Gishu county government, Agricultural Food Authority, Kephis, Moi University and University of Eldoret and National Cereal and Produce Board.
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