Kakamega: About 6000 smallholder farmers in Kakamega County are set to benefit from free maize seeds and fertilizer worth Sh12 million, aimed at improving farm production and enhancing food security. The free farm inputs, courtesy of the local Women Representative's office, will be distributed to select farmers, especially those in vulnerable categories across the 12 constituencies in the county.

According to Kenya News Agency, the distribution exercise was launched at Panpaper grounds in Lugari constituency by county MP Elsie Muhanda. She stated that the farm inputs are intended to assist smallholder farmers in maximizing crop cultivation for improved yields and increased food production. Muhanda emphasized that the timely distribution of the inputs aims to support beneficiaries during the planting season and ensure they are well-prepared for the anticipated long rains. She also appealed to the government to reconsider packaging fertilizer in smaller quantities to match the financial ability of many smallholder farmers.

The women representative expressed her desire for the government to package fertilizer in quantities of up to five kilograms. She stressed that this would make fertilizer more accessible to small-scale farmers who may not afford the standard 25 or 50-kilogram bags. Muhanda urged farmers to utilize the inputs effectively to promote food security in the county.

Mautuma Ward Representative Charles Anyona praised the farm inputs program, stating it will play a crucial role in ensuring the county's food security. Lugari Sub-County Persons with Disability Coordinator Emmanuel Nyongesa also expressed gratitude for the initiative, noting that the free fertilizer and maize seeds would boost maize production. He appreciated the efforts of the Woman Representative, emphasizing that the farm inputs would lead to increased harvests.