Development of the agricultural sector in Mt Kenya region will be a major focus for Mumias East MP Peter Salasya if he wins the next General Election.
Salasya, late last month, announced that he will run for president in the 2027 elections even as he attempted to position himself as a fresh voice for a more inclusive and accountable country.
In a statement on Wednesday, May 21, following a successful trip to the region, Salasya sought to outline his plans for the region, highlighting specific development projects he will focus on to grow the region's economy and improve the living standards of residents in the nine counties.
"I am deeply grateful for the warm reception you gave me. Your resilience, unity, and hard work inspire hope for a better Kenya. With such dedication, we can truly transform the leadership of this country. I am committed to supporting your key economic activities across all Mt Kenya counties," the MP said.
He said he will seek to promote the tea and coffee farming sector, as well as dairy farming, beekeeping, and tourism around Mount Kenya and Aberdare in Nyeri County.
For Kirinyaga County, the home of the Mwea Irrigation Scheme, Salasya said he will put in place measures to promote rice farming, horticulture, as well as coffee farming.
Murang'a County, which he termed the national leader for avocado farming, would benefit from his efforts to promote fruit processing, dairy farming, as well as tea and coffee farming.
In Kiambu, Salasya said he would promote dairy farming, especially in Githunguri Dairy, and seek to expand the industry and coffee farming. He will also give focus real estate and manufacturing industries.
Nyandarua is known for growing Irish potatoes, cabbages, and highland vegetables, as well as dairy farming, which Salasya said will be prioritised.
In Mount Kenya East, Salasya promised to push his farming agenda, starting with Embu County, where he would boost Miraa farming, especially in Mbeere, in addition to coffee, mangoes, dairy, poultry, and macadamia farming.
The Miraa trade, which he termed a vital source of livelihood for residents of Meru County, would be promoted, as well as tea, coffee, dairy farming, and tourism via the Mount Kenya National Park.
In his agenda for Mt Kenya, Laikipia County would benefit from his policies to boost livestock ranching, horticulture through irrigation, dairy, and eco-tourism from wildlife conservancies.
Tharaka Nithi County, the home of Deputy President Kithure Kindiki, would benefit from dairy and goat farming, sorghum, millet, beekeeping, and tea in the upper zones.
"These sectors are the heartbeat of Mt Kenya’s economy. I will work closely with you to revive, modernise, and expand them so that the region regains its rightful place in Kenya’s economic leadership," he stated.
"The journey to reclaim our nation's glory begins now — and Mt. Kenya will lead from the front."
