The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
More than 6,000 farmers in Kiambu County have received certified maize seeds and fertiliser as the county government intensifies efforts to increase food production ahead of the anticipated heavy rains.
Governor Kimani Wamatangi led the distribution exercise in Ngoliba Ward, Thika Constituency, where each farmer received hybrid maize seeds and a small bag of fertiliser.
Wamatangi said the initiative was aimed at enabling families to grow their own food while strengthening household food security.
He noted that although the county government was investing in hospitals, early childhood development schools and markets, supporting families at the household level was equally important.
The governor said the county would continue providing agricultural support, with additional farm inputs expected to be distributed in January and later in the year. He also encouraged residents to embrace farming as a way of improving food security at home.
During the exercise, the farm inputs were delivered by lorry and offloaded at the distribution point. Farmers then lined up to collect their allocations before leaving.
One of the beneficiaries said the support would help families secure food not only during the current planting season but also in the future.
The farmer said the assistance was different from items that are consumed immediately because maize farming would provide longer-term benefits to households. The beneficiary added that increased food production would also help families provide meals for their children while supporting their education.
Another beneficiary welcomed the initiative, saying it focused on empowering farmers to produce food for themselves rather than simply receiving short-term assistance.
The farmer also expressed satisfaction with the quality of the inputs, noting that the seeds and fertiliser were certified and appropriate for farming.
The distribution comes as farmers prepare for the expected rains, with the certified maize seeds and fertiliser intended to support production during the planting season.
Wamatangi told residents that improving food security should remain a key part of the county’s development agenda alongside investments in healthcare, education and markets.
He further urged farmers to work together and ensure the inputs they receive are put to productive use.
