Kericho, Kenya – Farmers across Kenya are witnessing increased agricultural production, thanks to the government’s initiative to subsidize fertilizers. This measure is part of a broader strategy to boost food production and address the high cost of living in the country.
According to Kenya News Agency, the fertilizer subsidy has had a positive impact on agricultural output, particularly for maize farmers who are expected to produce more maize this year than ever before. He also noted that tea, coffee, and sugarcane farmers are benefiting from this subsidy, leading to maximum production in these sectors.
Cherargei made these remarks after attending the funeral of the late Joseph Chepkwony Kositany in Kipchimchim, Ainamoi Constituency, Kericho, on Thursday. During his speech, he defended President William Ruto’s administration against criticisms from Azimio leader Raila Odinga, who claimed that the government had achieved little since coming into power. Cherargei highlighted the government’s accomplishments, including affordable housing and timely repayment of public loans.
Furthermore, the Senator called on the Cabinet Secretary for Roads, Transport, and Public Works, Kipchumba Murkomen, to prioritize the tarmacking of the Kerenga Airstrip in Kericho. This infrastructure development is expected to enhance the transportation of agricultural produce to Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and subsequently to international markets. Cherargei emphasized that the Kerenga Airstrip is located in a region renowned for its tea, coffee, and horticultural production.
In addition to infrastructure development, Cherargei urged the Roads CS to ensure the quality and timely completion of a 21-kilometre road network in Kericho town. He called for rework in areas where construction did not meet standards to prolong the roads’ durability.
On the educational front, Cherargei addressed the recent hiring of 46,000 intern Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers. He appealed to the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) to consider offering these teachers permanent and pensionable employment terms.
The funeral ceremony was for Joseph Kositany, who passed away at the age of 103. Kositany was the father of Robert Chepkwony, the Communications Director at the Ministry of Mining and Blue Economy.