Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

Roads and Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has assured Kenyans that his ministry will deliver roads to boost agriculture and food security.

Kenya marked its 61st Madaraka Day celebration at the Masinde Muliro Stadium in Bungoma County, and food security and agriculture were the main themes.

Murkomen joined President William Ruto, who led the national event, and said he is keen to have his docket play its role in ensuring the food security and agriculture goals are achieved.

“Joined President William Ruto and other leaders in celebrating the 61st anniversary of our Madaraka Day at Masinde Muliro Stadium, Bungoma County.

“I remain resolute in leading our ministry to deliver roads and other transport infrastructure, which are key in facilitating agriculture and food security, the anchor of our bottom-up economic transformation agenda, and the theme of this year’s celebrations,” Murkomen said in a statement on X.

Ruto’s take

While addressing the nation in Kanduyi, the Head of State revealed how agriculture remains a key sector in Kenya’s economy.

“Agriculture’s direct contribution to our GDP is 25%, while its indirect support for other economic pillars such as manufacturing boosts the GDP by a further 27%. Agriculture also employs, directly or otherwise, an estimated 40% of our population.

“To build a robust and thriving economy, enhance social inclusion, and improve environmental conservation in this critical sector, the government has deployed an agriculture-led, whole-of-society approach in the form of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda, of which agriculture is a critical strategic pillar,” he said.

Bungoma County is one of the regions whose economy depends on agriculture, and Ruto was quick to laud the farmers’ efforts.

“We appreciate the determination of small-scale farmers, who are the backbone of Kenya’s agricultural sector, in their efforts to produce sufficient and varied food to meet their nutritional, health, and other daily needs.

“Against many odds, our farmers have defied systemic and structural constraints and limitations to make a contribution to household and national food security requirements and to propel the economy. We understand, cherish, and value them,” Ruto added.

Ruto pointed out how his government has moved in to help the small-scale farmers.

“Consequently, we have partnered effectively with farmers and other food system value chain actors such as input suppliers, producers, processors, and support service providers to transform their productivity beyond subsistence and enhance the country’s food security,” he concluded.

For these and more credible stories, join our revamped Telegram and WhatsApp channels.

Telegram: https://t.me/peopledailydigital

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va698juDOQIToHyu1p2z