Nyeri county Senate candidate Mercy Waithanji has urged the government to introduce reforms in other cash crops.
The government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, initiated reforms in the tea and coffee sectors last year that saw farmers pocket more earnings.
But on Wednesday, Waithanji said the same should be extended to other cash crops like Irish potatoes, onions and garlic grown by farmers in Kieni.
She said if elected, she will push for the introduction of a guaranteed minimum return for the crops so as to end farmers' exploitation by middlemen.
Waithanji, who is vying as an independent candidate, said the neglect has left farmers in the hands of oppressive brokers who dictate the prices of their produce.
The same should apply to avocado and macadamia among others, she said.
Waithanji says it is the responsibility of Nyeri leaders to ensure they protect farmers from exploitation.
She pledged to lobby for water projects in the dry areas of Kieni to enable farmers to shift from rain-fed agriculture to irrigation to boost food security.
She says other interventions will include sinking boreholes, water pans, dams and revitalising water towers.
“Nyeri is endowed with a lot of resources and what we now need is to replace politicians with resourceful and visionary leaders who are able to ensure residents put the resources into good use,” she said.
She also vowed to equip the youth with life skills so they can start income-generating activities.
Waithanji said she will also ensure more finances are channeled to the health facilities to ensure they have enough medical supplies and reduce congestion in Level 4 and 5 hospitals.
(Edited by Tabnacha O)
