The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has issued four demands to President William Ruto and his administration.
In a statement on February 12, ODM Acing Party leader Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o said the party is deeply concerned about the dire situation facing wheat farmers in Narok and North Rift counties.
“Despite recording a bumper harvest this season, these hardworking farmers find themselves with nowhere to sell their produce,” Nyong’o said.
Nyong’o said neither the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) nor private millers are purchasing wheat, exposing farmers to significant financial losses.
He explained that the crisis has been exacerbated by the uncontrolled importation of cheap wheat by well-connected individuals, effectively flooding the market and undermining local producers.
According to Nyong’o, most of the farmers are servicing loans from financial institutions, making their situation even more precarious.
“With no buyers for their harvest and a lack of proper storage facilities, they are staring at devastating losses that threaten their livelihoods and economic stability,” he said.
ODM reiterated that a nation that mistreats its farmers is courting food insecurity, deepening poverty and inequality, and fueling mass unemployment.
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ODM Demands
The Party called on the government to urgently intervene by directing the NCPB to purchase locally produced wheat at fair prices.
Additionally, ODM told the government to regulate wheat imports to protect local farmers from unfair competition.
“The government’s failure to protect local wheat farmers contradicts its own policy of providing subsidized inputs, only to abandon them at the most critical moment,” Nyong’o said.
Additionally, ODM has asked the government to provide immediate storage and logistical support to prevent post-harvest losses.
Nyong’o urged the government to ensure financial relief for affected farmers, including loan restructuring options.
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Wheat Farming Important
ODM said the government must act to save wheat farmers from ruin.
“The plight of wheat farmers is a national crisis that requires immediate and decisive action,” Nyong’o said.
“The government must move with urgency to protect Kenya’s food producers and secure the country’s agricultural future.”
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