Uhuru warns NCPB as maize farmers to finally receive delayed pay

President Uhuru Kenyatta has fired a warning shot to officials of the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) for allegedly mishandling funds meant to pay maize farmers.

The Head of State, speaking during the Nairobi Agricultural Society of Kenya (ASK) Show at Jamhuri Grounds, Nairobi on Thursday, stated that the money to pay maize farmers was catered for in the budget and would be disbursed from Thursday.

“The money meant to pay maize farmers was in the budget last year, and we know it is the people at the NCPB who – instead of paying farmers that toiled on their farms for maize to sell in order to educate their children – went and paid a few wealthy individuals and traders and ran out of money to pay the hardworking farmers,” said President Kenyatta.

He also threatened criminal action against NCPB officials involved in the alleged mishandling of the funds further warning against future similar occurrences.

“I promise you, and I swear before God, try that again and you will see what is going to happen to you. We have seen what you did and we will come after those responsible,” added Mr. Kenyatta.

“Government money belongs to the public and citizens who break their sweat toiling on their own farmers deserve to be paid first.”

Devolution Cabinet Secretary Eugene Wamalwa, during a press conference held on Friday last week, announced that Ksh.1.4 billion had already been disbursed to the Agriculture ministry for processing and disbursement to the maize farmers.

He further added that 226 farmers would be investigated by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) as well as the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) “with the possibility of preferring charges.”

Farmers, however, while meeting with Senators in Eldoret, complained of not having received their dues, further urging the Senate to intervene in the pay row.