Friday, 7 March, 2025
Agriculture and Livestock Committee meets with State Departments of Agriculture and Livestock Development to deliberate on the fy 2024/25 Supplementary Estimates No. II
Agriculture and Livestock CommitteeFriday 7th March, 2025,Parliament Buildings, Nairobi
The National Assembly Committee on Agriculture and Livestock chaired by Hon. Kanyuithia Mutunga (Tigania West) on Thursday, 6thMarch, 2025 met with the Principal Secretaries for State Departments of Agriculture; and Livestock Development to deliberate on the Financial Year 2024/25 Supplementary Estimates No. II.
Dr. Paul Ronoh, PS State Department for Agriculture, appeared before the Committee in the morning session and requested for an increase in agricultural investment from the current 2.5 per cent to between 5-10 per cent over the next three to four years, arguing that an increase would ensure sustainable food production, improve farmer livelihoods, and enhance national food security.
In addition, PS Ronoh raised concern over the Fertilizer and Seed Subsidy Programme, whose budget was proposed to be Kshs. 6.5 billion in the Supplementary Estimates against a resource requirement of Kshs. 19.5 billion hence a shortfall of Kshs. 13 billion.
In the afternoon session, PS Jonathan Mueke led the State Department for Livestock Development in presenting their FY 2024/25 Supplementary Estimates No. II.
He highlighted the budgetary adjustments proposed in the Supplementary Estimates, achievements, and key priorities for the livestock sector including livestock vaccination, livestock restocking, development of three feedlots (Chemogoch, Kibiru and Hadado), and establishment of the Kenanie Leather Industrial Park.
According to Mr. Mueke, the above efforts are boosting productivity, increasing farmers’ incomes, and creating more opportunities across the livestock value chain.
The Committee is now expected to present its report on the consideration of the FY 2024/25 Supplementary Estimates No. II before the Liaison Committee.