This is likely to cause a sharp split among leaders, as farmers from the region pressurise the government to hasten the process of reviving the sector that forms their economic bloodline.
“Of course the government will never stop buying maize from farmers, we are in talks with CS Munya and at the moment the ministry is working on a policy framework which it has been lacking,” said Mr Kutuny.
“It is quite unusual for elected leaders to remain tight-lipped on issues like maize, tea and dairy, which form our source of economic livelihoods,” said Mr Patrice Chepkwony from Ziwa, Uasin Gishu County.
The issues bedevilling the sector, a key factor in Rift Valley politics, is likely to worsen following the government announced that it will no longer buy maize from farmers.
The controversial issues put in the spotlight the DP and other elected leaders, as farmers pressurise the government to increase funding to agricultural bodies, such as Agriculture Finance Corporation, to empower them to access more credit facilities and increase subsidies on inputs.
