Nyandarua became the second county after Nakuru to enforce the new potato regulations. Governor Francis Kimemia announced to carry out enforcement at a ceremony held at Ol’Kalou. Nyandarua County is the biggest producer of potatoes in the country.
“Today is a historic day for us; what we promised two years ago, and we have been lobbying with the National Government agencies is now a reality. Never again will the farmer be at the mercy of the brokers, who bear no costs of production. From today, we move to full implementation and enforcement of the regulations,” said Kimemia. Kimemia called on all players in the sector to ensure that proper sensitization, stakeholders’ engagement, speedy registration of farmers and value chain actors, and formation of joint intra and inter-counties implementation committees is done.
“I am willing to engage all stakeholders, including Governors in Nairobi and Mombasa, where our potatoes find their market, to work with us in ensuring that the benefits of these legal protections are not rigged by unscrupulous individuals,” the County head added. “I will embark on immediate enforcement of the regulations. He promised to work with the county’s crop inspectors, enforcement officers and the National Police Service, who will partner with the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), to ensure full compliance saying they cannot afford to let the farmer down.
Dr. James Karitu, Nyandarua County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, Nyandarua, promised to quickly mobilize resources for sensitization and awareness across the County
The ceremony was also attended by County Executive Committee Members of two other major potato producing counties – Nakuru and Elgeyo Marakwet. “In Elgeyo Marakwet, we have already made plans to ensure that these regulations are effected with immediate effect. We count on Nyandarua, as the leading potatoes producing county in the country, to set the pace and we will all follow,” said Ann Kibosia, County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, during the function.
Her colleague, Dr. Immaculate Maina from Nakuru, promised that her county will jointly work with Nyandarua to ensure that smooth implementation is carried out. “As neighbors, ours will be joint success or failure; and thankfully, both counties’ leadership is at the forefront in calling for speedy implementation,” she said.
Nyandarua County Commissioner Mr. Boaz Cherutich who was present promised full cooperation of enforcement and security agencies to ensure total compliance.
