The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has faulted the government for failing to buy wheat from farmers from Narok and North Rift counties.

In a statement on Wednesday, February 12, 2025, acting party leader and Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o attributed the crisis to uncontrolled importation of cheap wheat by well-connected individuals, effectively flooding the market and undermining local producers.

“The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) is deeply concerned about the dire situation facing wheat farmers in Narok and North Rift counties. Despite recording a bumper harvest this season, these hardworking farmers find themselves with nowhere to sell their produce,” Nyong’o stated.

“Neither the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) nor private millers are purchasing wheat, exposing farmers to significant financial losses. This crisis has been exacerbated by the uncontrolled importation of cheap wheat by well-connected individuals, effectively flooding the market and undermining local producers.”

According to Nyong’o, most of the farmers are servicing loans from financial institutions and are now unable to meet their financial obligations due to the stalemate.

“Many of these farmers are servicing loans from financial institutions, making their situation even more precarious. With no buyers for their harvest and a lack of proper storage facilities, they are staring at devastating losses that threaten their livelihoods and economic stability,” Nyong’o added.

“A nation that mistreats its farmers is courting food insecurity, deepening poverty and inequality, and fueling mass unemployment. The government’s failure to protect local wheat farmers contradicts its own policy of providing subsidized inputs, only to abandon them at the most critical moment.”

The opposition chief has demanded that the government directs NCPB to purchase locally-produced wheat at fair prices and regulate wheat importation to protect local farmers.

“We call upon the government to urgently intervene by directing the NCPB to purchase locally-produced wheat at fair prices and regulating wheat imports to protect local farmers from unfair competition,” he added.

Nyong’o also wants the government to provide immediate storage and logistical support to prevent post-harvest losses and ensure financial relief for affected farmers, including loan restructuring options.

“The plight of wheat farmers is a national crisis that requires immediate and decisive action. The government must move with urgency to protect Kenya’s food producers and secure the country’s agricultural future,” he added.