By Simon Juma
Communication and Media Student
Laikipia University
Trans-Nzoia is known as Kenya's breadbasket. It is the county that feeds the nation. When Trans-Nzoia sneezes, Kenya catches a cold. This round, Trans-Nzoia is not sneezing; it is crying. There is no maize
For the first time in many years, the endless green maize plantations from Kitale to Endebess to Kwanza are brown, dry, and empty. Farmers are counting losses, not bags.
According to the Trans-Nzoia County Department of Agriculture, more than 50,000 acres out of the 250,000 acres under maize have been destroyed by prolonged drought. That is 20 percent of the entire county's maize wiped out before it matured.
The county normally produces over seven million bags of maize annually, but this year production is projected to decline by more than 40 percent.
The reason is simple: the rains failed. The March-to-May long rains, which are the lifeline of North Rift farmers, were inadequate and poorly distributed. Crops were stressed, they withered, and they died in the field.
In a good year, a farmer in Bidii harvests 300 to 350 bags from 10 acres. This year, getting 150 bags will be a miracle. Many farmers who usually collect 300 bags from 15 acres now expect only 80 bags due to the dry spell. Some have not even harvested because the maize will rot and bring aflatoxin.
This is not just a Trans-Nzoia problem. It is a national disaster. Close to half of the planted area in Uasin Gishu, Trans-Nzoia and Nakuru has been wiped out. Kenya's national maize production forecast has crashed from 4.5 million metric tonnes to just 2.2 million metric tonnes, a 51 percent drop.
The impact is already being felt everywhere.
First, on the farmer. Farmers invested everything. They bought subsidized fertilizer, seeds, paid for ploughing and labour, only to watch their crops dry up. Many took loans and now cannot repay.
Second, on the dairy farmer. In Trans-Nzoia, maize is not just food for people; it is feed for cows. With maize failing, fodder has disappeared. Dairy farmers have seen milk drop from 700 litres a day to 460 litres. Dairy meal price has risen from Sh2,500 to Sh3,000 per bag.
Third, on the common mwananchi. Less maize means high unga prices. The government has already announced plans to import up to 25 million 90kg bags to bridge the deficit. But importation is not a solution. It kills the local farmer.
What should be done?
One, the National Cereals and Produce Board must reopen its drying facilities. Two, we need irrigation and drought-resistant maize varieties. Three, NCPB must buy maize at a fair price of Sh4,500 per 90kg bag to cover losses.
Trans-Nzoia has fed Kenya for decades. This season, Trans-Nzoia itself needs help. If we ignore Trans-Nzoia today, tomorrow all of Kenya will sleep hungry.
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