Interior and National Administration Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has met sugarcane farmers and livestock traders in Homa Bay County to discuss challenges facing the sectors and outline government measures to support their livelihoods.
Omollo said the government had introduced interventions to reduce farming costs, improve livestock health and trade, and increase returns for farmers and traders.
He cited the reduction in the price of fertiliser from Sh7,000 to Sh2,000 per bag as a key measure benefiting sugarcane farmers, particularly in Ndhiwa, where more than 700 hectares of land are under sugarcane production.
The PS said lower fertiliser prices had reduced production costs, allowing farmers to save money for other household needs and economic activities.
“We have listened, we have shared, and you have appreciated what President Ruto has done in transforming the agricultural sector,” he said.
Omollo said the savings would help farmers improve their livelihoods, support their families and contribute to economic growth in Homa Bay County and beyond.
He described the measures as part of the government’s efforts to improve farmers’ welfare and strengthen agricultural production and food security.
The PS also addressed concerns raised by livestock traders, citing vaccination programmes, improved slaughterhouse facilities and initiatives to increase the value of livestock products.
He said livestock vaccination was helping improve animal health and quality, enabling traders to secure better returns when taking their animals to market.
“To the livestock traders, for the first time we have a clear structure. We have run the vaccination programme for our livestock so that we get the right value for our livestock when we take them to market,” he said.
Omollo said the interventions reflected the government’s commitment to supporting livestock traders and strengthening the sector.
He added that engaging communities was essential to understanding challenges affecting different economic sectors and informing responses to their concerns.
The discussions also covered issues affecting young people, educators and small business operators in Homa Bay County, he said.
Omollo urged residents to continue engaging with the government, saying community concerns should inform efforts to improve service delivery and expand economic opportunities.
The meeting provided a platform for farmers and traders to raise concerns affecting their businesses and receive updates on government programmes aimed at reducing production costs, improving market returns and boosting household incomes.
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