Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria on Thursday revealed that Governor Orengo had donated his Ministry approximately 70 acres of land for a pre-planned seed propagation programme.
Speaking during the launch of National Youth Service (NYS) Interventions for Agriculture and Food Security in Kitale, the CS, who is set to roll out the programme across the country, indicated that the first project will be anchored in Siaya.
''We will start with Siaya County where I have conversed with Governor Orengo who has donated 70 acres in Ugenya,'' Kuria told the crowd.
He further indicated that other counties were also ready to donate land for the project that will be spearheaded by NYS servicemen and women.
''NYS will cooperate with the Kenya Seed Company and all governors are ready, in all counties, to donate land for multiplication of seeds,'' he added.
NYS, as a result, will sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kenya Seed Company for the services of propagation of the seeds.
Kuria also asked the management of the Agriculture Development Corporation to lease 32,000 acres to the Kenya Seed Company for the project.
The directive comes against the backdrop of a directive from President William Ruto that the country will cease importing maize from 2025.
Earlier, the Head of State had noted that plans were in high gear to boost maize production and ensure that the country is self-reliant.
Kuria, noted that if actualised, the project will save the country from a continually weakening Kenyan Shilling, a phenomenon caused by large imports the government is making.
''When you see the dollar gaining against the shilling, it is because of large importation of food whilst our farmers can farm here,'' he explained.
Echoing President Ruto's sentiments in Uasin Gishu, Kuria revealed that the government will avail driers to farmers whose maize was at risk of spoiling due to bad temperatures.
Kuria was accompanied by Heath CS Susan Nakhumicha, her water counterpart Zacharia Njeru, Kenya Seed Company Chairperson Wangui Ngirici among other leaders to witness the deployment of 300 servicemen who will help harvest 6,000 acres of maize in Trans-Nzoia County.
The CS has been transforming NYS which was moved from the Ministry of Devolution to Public Service since taking over the reins a month ago.
