Linturi Faces Wetang’ula’s Queries on Ministry
On Wednesday, August 2, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Moses Wetang’ula, criticized Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi for what he deemed to be superficial responses to pertinent questions concerning his ministry.
Linturi was addressing questions regarding his ministry’s unequal distribution of fertilizer across the country, notably Samburu’s neglect when the Speaker abruptly cut him off.
Sensing that the Cabinet Secretary lacked a convincing response, the Speaker urged Linturi to take his time and formulate answers that would engender confidence in his approach and command of ministry affairs.
“Your responses are superficial and do not address the issues we have raised. Wetang’ula stated to the Cabinet Secretary, “You are not at all helpful.”
Wetang’ula was especially critical of Linturi’s answers to queries regarding the Ministry’s product management processes.
He accused the CS of providing vague and evasive responses and neglecting to provide the necessary information to the members of parliament.
“As Cabinet Secretary, you must have immediate access to information about your ministry. You cannot answer the query without the necessary information.
Linturi was advised by Wetangula to seek the indulgence of the house if he was unable to provide accurate responses. This would allow him to share the answers later.
Linturi defended his responses by stating that he was providing the requested information to the MPs. He acknowledged, however, that some of the information may have been imprecise.
Linturi assured, “Mr. Speaker, I will provide detailed responses later, but it should be noted that the government’s fertilizer subsidy program was also implemented in Samburu County.”
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The Fertiliser Subsidy Programme (FSP), according to CS Linturi, is a government initiative that seeks to increase agricultural productivity by making fertilizer more affordable to farmers.
He noted that the subsidy is available to all farmers, regardless of operation size or location, but they must register for their identities to be included in the government’s database.
“Once registered, they are eligible to purchase subsidized fertilizer from NCPB-approved dealers,” Linturi explained.
Separately addressing the issue, President William Ruto disclosed that fertilizer will now cost Ksh2,500 per 50 kg bag, down from Ksh3,500.
In announcing measures to increase food production, President Ruto stated that the government has set aside Ksh10 billion to provide affordable loans to farmers.
He noted that the fertilizer price reduction went into effect on Tuesday, August 1, and urged farmers to take advantage of the move by doubling their use of fertilizer for improved yields.
He noted that on Tuesday, August 1 alone, 34,000 bags of fertilizers were sold after prices were reduced to Ksh 2,500 per 50-kilogram bag.
“Remarkably, farmers have taken advantage of the government’s decision to subsidize production costs to engage in serious farming,” he said.
He argued that increased production was the only way to reduce the country’s excessive cost of living.
President Ruto remarked that our farmers have gone above and beyond the call of duty to increase our country’s food security through increased production.
Linturi Faces Wetang’ula’s Queries on Ministry
