Nairobi, KENYA: Farmers across the country are set to be paid Sh.1 billion by the government amid the sh 1.9 billion National Cereal and Produce Board scam.
Speaking when he appeared before Agriculture Senate Committee on Wednesday headed by Embu senator Njeru Ndwiga Agriculture and Fisheries Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri said that the government will pay sh. 1 billion to 500 out of 987 farmers.
Kiunjuri said that 987 farmers were supposed to be paid sh. 3.5 billion indicating that the remaining sh. 2.5 will be paid to farmers in the next financial year.
“The major concern that has been expressed by the various players is delayed payments,” Kiunjuri said.
“I would like to indicate that the initial budget was exhausted and any further payment had to wait for supplementary budget and NCPB has been making payments as the money received.A request for funds from Treasury has been made from which we expect sh. 1 billion that will immediately be paid to farmers.” He added.
Kiunjuri indicated that sh. 8 billion out of sh. 11. 6 billion was paid to 11,326 farmers out of 12,313 farmers.
The CS reiterated that up to now no funds has been lost in the NCPB saga until the government agencies including EACC and directorate of criminal investigation tables concrete evidence on the sh. 1.9 billion NCPB scam allegations.
