The West Pokot government has dispatched 381 tonnes (381,000kgs) of maize seeds to be distributed to farmers in the fight against hunger.
The seeds will be distributed to farmers across all the 20 wards and will be planted on approximately 88,100 acres.
Governor John Lonyangapuo said the annual programme has helped improve food security in the county. He spoke at Makutano Stadium in Kapenguria while flagging off maize seeds to various wards.
“My vision is to make West Pokot food secure. The programme has helped in improving food security at household levels,” he said.
The free distribution programme targets vulnerable people in the county.
“The seeds will not benefit all farmers. We are targeting the vulnerable,” he said.
The governor asked politicians to stop interfering with the programme since his aim is to eradicate reliance on relief food.
“Last year the county experienced 85 per cent crop failure, which resulted in food shortage,” he said.
“We pray for long rains so that farmers can enjoy the fruit of hard work.”
In politics, Lonyangapuo welcomed Deputy Governor Nicholas Atudonyang into the governor's race, saying he will beat him in the general election.
Edited by A.N
