Ruto Says His Own Maize Crop Dried Up as Drought Devastates Farmers

President William Ruto lamented the damage climate change has caused to farmers nationwide, saying even his own maize crop failed after drought struck.

He explained that extended dry weather ruined crops on his farm and highlighted the same struggles many Kenyan farmers face.

Consequently, Ruto said the government will shift away from rain-fed agriculture and invest more in irrigation to strengthen food security and expand agricultural exports. He also said the proposed National Infrastructure Fund will back the building of 50 large dams, 200 medium-sized dams, and 1,000 smaller water projects. The plan aims to improve irrigation and water harvesting.

“We have had drought in Kenya. Even in my home farm, my maize dried up. That has happened to most farmers in the country. This is as a result of climate change,” he said.

“Depending on rainfall for farming will not give us enough food, and it will not give us crops to export. That is why we must now focus our plan on irrigation by putting in place water harvesting and irrigation.”

Ruto further praised farmers in Uasin Gishu and across the wider Western region for growing cash crops such as macadamia and coffee.

He promised the government will keep supporting efforts to grow more cash crops, saying the move will raise farmers’ incomes and strengthen the country’s economy.

He told the audience, “The future of our nation requires forward planning for enough food. I assure you that we shall work together in the Rift Valley region.”

He delivered the remarks during a church service at ACK St Stephen’s Chepkoilel on Sunday in Uasin Gishu.

Speaking at the same event, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen backed Ruto’s concerns, saying the Head of State likely will not harvest any crop this year.

Murkomen said the region has faced major farming difficulties, with many farmers recording losses.

“Mr President, I would like to tell you that it is true, there are challenges in this region when it comes to farming matters, sisi wote tuliadhirika na nilipitia pia shamba yako pale na nimeona kwamba hutavuna chochote mwaka huu, wakati nilikuwa najililia nikaona hata rais ameenda harasa nikasema wengi wetu tumeenda harasa,” Murkomen said.

CS Murkomen said the president’s experience mirrored the hardships that many farmers in the region have endured this season.

Even with a bleak harvest forecast, Murkomen praised the government for cutting the cost of subsidized fertilizer after President Ruto took office.

“We won’t fail to thank you because when you took office, you lowered the price of fertilizer from Sh7,000 to Sh2,500. Through your leadership, our economy is doing well,” he said.

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