President Uhuru Kenyatta has announced a budgetary allocation of 1 billion to cushion miraa growers from the challenges of a ban from European markets two years ago.
Uhuru said he instructed the Cabinet, that
for the next financial year
in Naivasha last week, to include funds to support miraa, like other cash crops.
He spoke at State House, Nairobi, when he signed into law a Bill that will categorises miraa as a cash crop. The amended Crops Act opens doors for the crop to benefit from government budgetary funding.
The Mediated Version of the Miscellaneous Amendment Bill No 2 makes minor amendments to the Crops Act to recognise miraa as a cash crop.
The Act obligates the national government to establish mechanisms for promotion, production, distribution and marketing of miraa as a cash crop.
The historical assent, which was also witnessed by Deputy President William Ruto and tMeru leaders, gives legal backing for farmers and traders to grow, harvest and sell miraa produce without any hindrances.
Uhuru said the funds will be availed through the Agriculture ministry and directed the Agriculture CS Willy Bett and Meru leaders to agree on the mode of disbursement.
The President regretted farmers'
tribulations following the ban but assured the government will do everything possible to ensure farmers reap maximum benefits from their produce.
“This historical law we have signed today, giving miraa the legal backing as a cash crop, will also give the crop the foundation of recognition in formal government structures,” he added.
Uhuru announced the formation of a new task force to look into the ills afflicting the miraa sub-sector and make recommendations for implementation by the government.
The old task force was disbanded after Meru leaders moved to court.
Meru Senator Kiraitu Murungi, woman representative Florence Kajuju and the Meru Parliamentary Group chairman Mithika Linturi thanked the President for the efforts to revive the sub-sector.
“We are happy with your government for addressing the development concerns of the Meru people in terms of infrastructure development, construction of dams and issuance of title deeds,” they told the President.
Uhuru
said while leaders have a right to exercise competitive politics, they should tell Kenyans the truth for the sake of unity and tangible development.
He said the Jubilee government remains
committed to fulfilling its development pledges to Kenyans and will not be distracted by the empty talk of Opposition leaders.
“What is it that the Opposition is promising to do now that they failed to deliver while in government? They should stop cheating Kenyans,” he said.
Ruto expressed Jubilee government’s commitment to resolving all development challenges facing the Meru region.
He commended the President on making devolution work within a short time, saying under his leadership
the government has
devolved resources and transferred functions on time.
He told county governments to ensure prudent use of public funds saying accountability is not negotiable.
But Cord leader Raila Odinga, in an address at the close of the third annual devolution conference, said Jubilee continues to
and the resources for implementing them.