Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago during a rally at 64 stadium in Eldoret on August 1, 2017. [Photo: hivisasa.com]
Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago has asked President Uhuru Kenyatta to consider waiving debts that farmers in the North Rift region owe the Agricultural Finance Cooperation (AFC).
Speaking during a Jubilee political rally at 64 stadium in Eldoret town, Tuesday, Mandago said waiving the debts would be the best gift farmers can get for the Jubilee administration.
It is estimated that maize farmers from Nandi, Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet counties owe AFC over Sh1.5 billion they received as loans.
"Farmers in this region are still struggling to pay loans to AFC that date back to 90's and as a sign of good will that would help boost farming in this region, the debt should be waived," Mandago said.
The President has in the past waived debts for coffee farmers as well as cereal farmers in other parts of the country. Uasin Gishu governor further called for the compensation of maize farmers who were affected by army worms.
"Army worms destroyed over 40 per cent of farmers in this region and later there was severe drought making it impossible for a farmer to get any returns this season and the national government should consider setting aside funds for compensation," Mandago said.