MP calls for more funding for sugar sector reforms
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Kanduyi MP John Makali criticized the Sh700 million allocated for state-owned sugar mill reforms, deeming it insufficient given the sector’s importance to Kenya’s GDP. He highlighted that Nzoia Sugar employees are owed substantial amounts and called for increased funding to benefit farmers and factory staff. Makali also urged the incoming CS for Agriculture to improve the fertiliser subsidy programme and address delays in school capitation funds affecting education.”
The Sh700 million allocated to facilitate reforms in state-owned sugar mills is not enough,Kenya Kanduyi MP John Makali has said.
He said one of the critical sectors of the economy is agriculture, which accounts for 18 per cent of the country’s gross domestic product.
Makali said on Wednesday, for instance, employees and staff at Nzoia Sugar are owed a huge amount of money and the Sh700 million cannot fully facilitate key reforms in the sugar sector.
“We need to increase the money going towards the sugar sector reforms so that our farmers and employees in factories can benefit and feel part and parcel of the Kenya Kwanza government,” the Ford Kenya MP said.
Makali urged the incoming CS for Agriculture to ensure the fertiliser subsidy programme benefits the targeted groups.
“In the report of the budget committee, we are happy that we are going to have subsidised fertiliser programme but we do not want a repeat of the story of fake fertiliser,” he said.
The MP also urged the government to employ teachers who have been out of job for long.
“I met a teacher who graduated way back in 2013 and who said he was free to demonstrate every Tuesday and Thursday because he has never gotten a job,” he said.
Makali further defended the principals lamentations, saying school capitation never reaches institutions in time.
“Capitation never reaches our schools in time and it is the reason some schools have decided to close early because they lack funds to run schools and feed students,” he said.
Source Link : https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2024-08-01-mp-calls-for-more-funding-for-sugar-sector-reforms/
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