The government has released Sh117.5 million crop insurance payout to farmers in 28 counties.
Agriculture CS Peter Munya said the results of the loss assessment at the end of the long rain and short rain seasons indicate that out of the 409,000 farmers insured, 25,228 experienced crop loses and have claims amounting to Sh117.5 million.
This brings to 37,500 farmers who have benefitted from crop loss compensation to the tune of Sh217 million since the crop insurance programme begun.
Munya spoke at a Nairobi hotel on Wednesday during the release of crop insurance compensation to farmers for the 2019 season.
The counties are Bomet, Bungoma, Busia, Elgeyo Marakwet, Embu, Homabay, Kakamega, Kericho, Kiambu, Kilifi, Kirinyaga, Kisumu, Kwale, Laikipia, Makueni, Meru, Migori, Muranga, Nakuru, Narok, Nyamira, Nyndarua, Nyeri, Samburu, Taita Taveta, Siaya, Uasin Gishu and Vihiga.
Migori received the highest payout of Sh16.1 million to 6, 250 farmers, followed by Makueni at Sh13.5 million to 2, 363 farmers and then Meru at Sh13.2 million out to 1, 109 farmers.
Counties that received the least amount include Kakamega at Sh63, 704 which was claimed by 15 farmers, Nyamira at Sh103, 761 paid to 45 farmers and Kiambu and Elgeyo Marakwet that received Sh390,000 to 88 and 62 farmers respectively.
In 2016, the government rolled out the crop insurance programme to mitigate increasing risks and losses amongst smallholder farmers.
Edited by Henry Makori
