By Kigotho Mwangi,
Residents of two wards in Njoro Constituency in Nakuru County have been left baffled after the government banned them from maize farming over rising insecurity involving inter-community clashes and cattle rustling.
In a letter written by Naisuit Location Chief Douglas Mutai, who administers Naisuit and Sigoan wards, locals have been barred from cultivating maize for at least a year to allow security agencies to tame the runaway insecurity in the area.
The chief claimed that attackers have been using maize plantations to launch raids and hide from law enforcement agencies deployed in the area.
John Kirase, a local, told K24 Digital that his 12 acres of land had already been ploughed and had already bought farm inputs, including maize seeds in preparation for the planting season.
“The government should come and compensate us because each acre of land cost me Sh2,000 while farm inputs cost more than Sh60,000,” said Kirase as he enumerated his losses.
Without [counting] labour costs, I have already spent Sh84,000 and I can’t afford any other crop. Unless the government gives us incentives, we will be doomed,” said Kirase.
According to the area security council, the government is looking for ways to end hostility between locals.
While some of the locals have vowed to disregard the government directive, others support the ban.
Kipkoros arap Soi, a Naisuit ward resident, said the decision will likely bring an end to the fighting.
“People only fight when there is maize is in the farms since attackers can easily hide,” said Soi.
But Kipkoros said the government should help the local population introduce other food crops in the meantime.
