Rice Farmers Rally Against Privatization of Key Mill

Bunyala, Kenya – In Bunyala Sub County, rice farmers are voicing strong opposition to the government’s proposal to privatize the Western Kenya Rice Mill. These concerns were prominently raised during a recent gathering led by Christopher Ngunyi, the chairman of Magombe Multipurpose Cooperative Society.

According to Kenya News Agency, the farmers, who are shareholders of the rice mill, were not consulted about this significant decision. Ngunyi emphasized the importance of their stake in the facility, expressing dismay over the lack of government communication. He asserted that if the government intends to divest its shares, farmers should be given the first opportunity to purchase them.

The discussion also turned to the Lower Nzoia Irrigation Project. Ngunyi urged the Ministry of Water and Irrigation to expedite this project, highlighting the difficulties faced by farmers due to the deterioration of equipment provided a decade ago by the National Irrigation Authority. He mentioned that the Magombe Cooperative Society had donated land for the project’s office construction, which remains underutilized. Farmers are demanding compensation for this land, threatening legal action if their demands are not met within 14 days.

Farmers’ grievances extend to the promised construction of a warehouse and storage facilities to mitigate losses during the rainy season. Ngunyi called for the swift completion of this project to ensure adequate water supply and expressed farmers’ unwillingness to prolong the project further.

Furthermore, Ngunyi criticized the relocation of the National Irrigation Authority’s headquarters to Siaya County, advocating for the retention of the manager’s office near their irrigation scheme. This move, he argued, is essential for the effective management and support of the local rice-growing operations.

Addressing another critical issue, Ngunyi appealed for government assistance in providing subsidized fertilizer, vital for enhancing rice yields. He highlighted the challenges faced by local farmers, who currently rely on expensive supplies from private dealers. To alleviate this burden, he proposed the establishment of a depot in the Sub County, reducing the need for long-distance travel to acquire these essential inputs.