It is a big blow to farmers whose crops and livestock were destroyed by floods after the government ruled out any plans to compensate victims.
According to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, the government has not allocated any funds for the compensation.
“The Government has no budgetary allocation for compensation of farmers affected by floods,” CS Linturi said.
He made the disclosure in a written response to the Senate following a query by Tana River Senator Danson Mungatana on the government’s plans to compensate farmers.
CS Linturi was scheduled to appear before the Senate plenary to respond to questions but instead, sent written responses.
“Due to the floods, farmers incurred losses resulting from the damaged crops,” Linturi said.
Livestock valued at Sh7.82 million were also destroyed.
This comes days after Agriculture PS Paul Ronoh hinted at the government’s plans to compensate the farmers.
Ronoh had said the government was collecting the data on the affected farmers to assist them.
“We will ensure we help farmers access seeds, fertiliser and also drain water from farms. Nearly 60,000 farms have been washed away. Last week the Kenya Seed Company made a huge loss after its farms were washed off,” Rono said.
The PS made the remarks during the distribution of 5,000 avocado seedlings to farmers in Chepsir in Kipkelion East Constituency, Kericho County on Sunday.
Farmers across the country have been pushing for compensation in the wake of the destruction by raging floods.
A statement released by the government spokesman Isaac Mwaura on Tuesday showed that more than 168,000 acres of farmland have been destroyed by floods.
“The damage on agriculture spans 168,092 acres of land with approximately 8,722 livestock reported dead,” Mwaura said.
He added that the government has enhanced surveillance for vector-borne diseases in all counties.
The heavy rainfall, which has caused mass destruction in the country also led to the loss of at least 289 lives and displacement of people.
By Matildah Obaigwa
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