Kiharu Member of Parliament Ndindi Nyoro has raised concern over substantial budget cuts in the agricultural sector, vowing to use parliamentary procedures to reverse the decision. Speaking at Gatagua during the launch of coffee drying equipment, Nyoro said the slashed funds would negatively impact farmers, particularly those dependent on affordable credit.
He revealed that Ksh.1 billion had been removed from the Coffee Cherry Fund, a crucial facility that enables farmers to access low-interest loans. “The Coffee Cherry Fund helps farmers access affordable credit, protecting them from expensive debts. Each financial year, we allocate funds to support farmers in repaying previous loans. This year, that has been interfered with,” Nyoro said.
The MP also noted that the government’s fertiliser subsidy program was affected by a Ksh.7 billion reduction in the Budget Policy Statement, further straining farmers’ ability to maintain production. “In this budget, even the fertiliser subsidy has suffered a huge cut. That is not a good indication. But since the budget process is still ongoing, we will make sure to return the funds so that they benefit our farmers,” he added.
Nyoro emphasized the critical role agriculture plays in Kenya’s economy and livelihoods, particularly in rural areas, saying that slashing funds from key initiatives undermines progress made in supporting farmers.
The event also marked five years of transformation for the local coffee farming community. The Gatagua Coffee Farmers Cooperative Society officially rebranded to Gatagua Agro Marketing Farmers Cooperative Society, reflecting its broader mandate in value addition and marketing.
During the ceremony, Nyoro unveiled several new facilities aimed at improving coffee processing and security. These included modern coffee dryers, a digital weighing system to ensure transparency and fairness during produce collection, and enhanced security infrastructure comprising a watch tower and CCTV system.
The MP reiterated his commitment to empowering farmers, assuring them that the necessary steps would be taken to restore vital funding and continue boosting the agricultural sector.
