Ruto announces 50% cut in maize seed prices

President William Ruto has announced substantial reductions in the costs of maize seeds and fertiliser to support farmers preparing for the upcoming planting season. The President stated that the cost of a 50kg bag of subsidised fertiliser will be reduced from Ksh2,500 to Ksh2,000, while maize seed prices will be cut by half. This initiative aims to encourage farmers to utilize the upcoming rains to boost agricultural production.

Ruto made the announcement during a visit to the African Inland Church (AIC) Makutano in Taveta Constituency, Taita-Taveta County, where he also addressed the issue of education funding. The government has released Ksh18 billion in third term capitation funds to ensure uninterrupted learning activities. Ruto emphasized that schools have been receiving funding before the start of the academic year, countering claims of financial constraints.

Addressing land ownership disparities in the coastal region, Ruto announced that the government will issue 500,000 title deeds in the coming months, including 45,000 in Taita-Taveta County. Survey work for the title deeds is underway, with Ruto planning to issue them from Taita-Taveta to Lamu in September. He also announced Ksh17 billion in investments for Affordable Housing Programme projects in the county, aiming to create employment opportunities for youth.

In terms of infrastructure, Ruto highlighted ongoing road projects in Taita-Taveta County, such as the Ilasit-Rombo-Njukini-Taveta road, 25km Cess-Rekeke-Lake Jipe corridor, and 55km Mto Mwagodi-Dawida-Mbale-Wundanyi-Bura Junction. These projects are expected to enhance transport and agricultural activities in the region.

Regarding healthcare, President Ruto commended Governor Mwadime for the high registration rate of 73 percent in the Social Health Authority (SHA) among Taita-Taveta County residents. The government has also paid KSh950 million to health facilities in the county for the services provided over the past one and a half years.

Finally, Ruto urged Kenyans to reject divisive narratives and political misinformation, emphasizing the importance of individual actions over rhetoric.