Ruto: Even My Maize Was Wiped Out by Drought

President William Ruto has said that drought has destroyed the maize crop on his farm, as prolonged dry conditions continue to affect farmers across Kenya. 

He made the remarks during a Sunday church service in Uasin Gishu, where he outlined the government's plans to strengthen irrigation and water storage. Speaking to the congregation, Ruto said the losses on his farm reflected the difficulties facing many farmers, particularly in the Rift Valley. 

He said climate change has made rainfall less reliable and argued that Kenya must reduce its dependence on rain-fed agriculture to protect food production. The President said the government is making irrigation and water harvesting a priority under its long-term agricultural strategy. 

He said the proposed National Infrastructure Fund would finance the construction of 50 large dams, 200 medium-sized dams and 1,000 smaller water projects. According to Ruto, the projects are intended to improve food security and support the expansion of agricultural exports.

Ruto also praised farmers in Uasin Gishu and the wider Western region for diversifying into cash crops, including macadamia and coffee. He said the government would continue supporting the shift, describing it as an important way to increase farmers' incomes and strengthen the economy. 

He told the congregation that the government would continue working with farmers across the Rift Valley to improve agricultural production. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen also addressed the service and said poor harvests had affected the President's farm as well as many households in the North Rift. He said the situation reflected the challenges facing farmers across the region.

Murkomen said the government had helped reduce farming costs by lowering the price of subsidised fertiliser from Sh7,000 to Sh2,500 since Ruto took office. He said the measure had eased pressure on farmers despite the effects of changing weather patterns.

During the weekend, Ruto also visited his farm in Kilgoris, Narok County, where he inspected livestock and tended to his cattle. Photographs released from the visit showed him wearing a wide-brimmed hat and boots while handling calves and walking through the farm.

The proposed projects are intended to reduce reliance on rainfall and strengthen the country's food production.