The Orange Democratic Party (ODM) has issued four demands to the government over the plight of wheat farmers in Narok County and the larger North Rift.
Through a statement dated February 12, ODM Acting Party Leader Anyang' Nyong'o stated that the farmers were not recording any profits despite a bumper harvest due to neglect by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).
"The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is deeply concerned about the dire situation facing wheat farmers in Narok and North Rift counties. Despite recording a bumper harvest this season, these hardworking farmers find themselves with nowhere to sell their produce," part of the statement read.
"Neither the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB)nor private millers are purchasing wheat, exposing farmers to significant financial losses. This crisis has been exacerbated by the uncontrolled importation of cheap wheat by well-connected individuals, effectively flooding the market and undermining local producers."
Due to these exacerbating issues, Nyong'o noted that the country was at risk of recording food insecurity, deepening poverty and inequality, and fueling mass unemployment.
He therefore called on the government to intervene and solve the issue by implementing four measures including directing the NCPB to purchase locally-produced wheat at fair prices.
The second demand was for the government to regulate wheat imports to protect local farmers from unfair competition.
Thirdly, Nyong'o urged the government to provide immediate storage and logistical support to prevent post-harvest losses.
His final demand was for the government to ensure financial relief for affected farmers, which could include loan restructuring options.
"The plight of wheat farmers is a national crisis that requires immediate and decisive action. The government must move with urgency to protect Kenya's food producers and secure the country's agricultural future," the statement concluded.
This demand comes a week after the wheat farmers in Narok raised alarm over the poor prices for their produce despite this year’s bumper harvest occasioned by the favourable weather conditions.
Their chairman, Stanley Koonyo, revealed that over 10 million 90-kilogramme bags had been in storage since the harvesting season began in August 2024, and no miller had shown interest in purchasing them.
"The government has been urging us to increase production, and that is why we purchased the fertiliser at a subsidised price. But what worries us most is that there is no market for our produce,” he said.
