Ruto wants Kenya to halve its value of food imports to Sh250 billion
President William Ruto wants Kenya to halve its value of food imports to Sh250 billion in 10 years, as he directed the agriculture ministry to urgently release fertiliser to farmers in readiness for the planting season.
Dr Ruto said his administration has invested enormous resources on farm inputs with the aim of properly equipping farmers for production so as to attain food security.
“Our imports on food stuff, including wheat and edible oils have surpassed the Sh500 billion mark and this import bill is not sustainable. We can produce enough food and in the next five years, my administration wants to cut it to Sh250 billion and completely do away with food imports in 10 years,” Dr Ruto added.
The President said the government had imported enough fertiliser with the aim of ensuring farmers are well equipped to produce enough food and reduce expenditure on imports.
“I have given the ministry strict instructions that fertiliser should reach all corners of this country so that it can be accessible to all farmers. Since we started subsidising production, it’s paying off and the cost of basic food commodities has come down,” he said.
The President spoke at Nkubu market on his final day of his three-day tour of Meru County, where he was accompanied by his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi and his Public Service counterpart Moses Kuria.
Other leaders present were Senator Kathuri Murungi, Governor Kawira Mwangaza and his deputy Isaac Mutuma, Woman Representative Elizabeth Kailemia and all the nine Meru MPs.
The President launched several road projects and an irrigation scheme in Imenti South, saying his administration would support farmers by providing infrastructure for irrigation.
“Our intention is to shift from rain-fed agriculture to irrigation is our bold and deliberate plan to enhance food production and ensure that we expand economic opportunities in the agriculture sector,” he said when he commissioned the Sh150 million Mweru Umoja irrigation project that will put more than 500 acres of land under irrigation and benefit over 5,000 farmers.
The Head of State also pledged Sh500 million for infrastructure development at Mariene University, a campus of Meru University of Science and Technology (Must). He also launched ICT labs at Mitunguu and Mukiria technical colleges.
While launching affordable housing projects in Meru Town, the President said Meru will host 10,000 units which will provide more than 20,000 jobs.
On funding of technical institutes, Dr Ruto said capitation for TVETS had been doubled from Sh5 billion to Sh10 billion.
He said the Education ministry would employ 2,000 more tutors to address the shortage of teachers in the institutions.
Mr Gachagua told the President that leaders in Mt Kenya region were solidly behind him.
Shows
See AllAM Live
AM Live is NTV's morning current affairs show that sets the agenda for the day with insightful panels every weekday.
Business Redefined
Business Redefined is Kenya’s premier thought leadership platform for unpacking matters regarding economic and finance policy as well demystifying complex developments in the region’s capital markets.
Comedies
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Entertainment
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Full Episodes
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Gumzo La Sato
Gumzo La Sato is a live social issues show that aims to create awareness about issues affecting the larger society. The discussions range from Parenting, Marital bliss and struggles, Oppression, violence, and all matters of the Heart.
Health Diary
Health Diary is a weekly show that highlights different types of diseases/conditions and seeks ways to prevent, treat/manage them. The show debunks this through real life stories and also feature specialists in different fields, to offer medical advice on the same.
Letter To My Younger Self
Letter To My Younger Self is a podcast where guests get to write a letter to their younger self, from which Maxine formulates questions to ask them during the hour-long show.
Nation Reports
Nation Reports is a weekly podcast offers an opportunity for listeners to interact with various reporters and journey with them as they unravel the biggest most emotive stories.
One Health Lens Podcast
Discussing health matters and human stories from Kenya and across Africa. We talk big picture from people to policy, ecosystems, and everything in between. Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/onehealthlens
Paradise Lost
Paradise Lost peeks through the story of Louis Otieno, the times, and everything in between.
Speaking of GEN Z
Speaking of Gen Z brings you entertaining but meaningful conversations about a generation that is trying to navigate through adulthood. Join hosts Michelle, Jackie and Esther as they unravel all things Gen Z.
Sport On
Sport-On is a 30-minute sports magazine show on NTV and 3 hours on NATION FM. The show seeks to give the sports “fanatics” and “funatics” comprehensive and in-depth coverage of sports both locally and internationally.
Tech-over
The extent of technological growth is beyond mere acknowledgment; it has seamlessly integrated into our daily existence. A few years ago, the notion of paying electricity bills through mobile money or recharging with 'tokens' in Kenya seemed inconceivable. Online product sales were considered distant, and artificial intelligence is rapidly reshaping various facets of our lives. Amidst these technological leaps, those with a solid understanding of tech can navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and build a sustainable livelihood. Tech over Show aims to be the platform facilitating discussions among thought leaders, innovators, tech companies, and the government, addressing challenges and opportunities in Kenya's thriving tech industry.
Thamani
Thamani is a business show which is dedicated to emerging issues regarding micro, small and medium size businesses.
The Politalk podcast
This is The Politalk podcast. Here we look into the ins and outs of everything Kenyan politics. We pull no punches and have no reason to sugarcoat anything that matters to Kenyans.
The Trend
A two-hour-long live show that airs on Fridays. The show focuses on what is current in the entertainment industry, controversial and popular across all media platforms targeting those aged between 25 and 35 years.
The trend podcast
The trend podcast highlights and captures the best of banter from #TTTT segment that airs every Friday on NTV. It's the TTTT EXTRA
The Wicked Edition
The Wicked Edition with Dr. King’ori seeks to address serious issues through humour and relatable wit. It is a two-part half hour show filmed in front of a live audience
Trending
A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula A collection of our premium content. Diam curabitur vehicula
Twende
Twende is a travel show that highlights beautiful, unique, diverse locations, people, and cultures. The show offers fresh perspectives on familiar locations and memorable experiences in new ones.
Unscripted
This Saturday evening lifestyle show lets viewers share their stories and life experiences as openly & honestly for the purpose of shifting the culture of silence.
VIP Access
VIP ACCESS is Anyiko Owoko’s YouTube and podcast show on Music and Culture dedicated to promoting Africa’s most promising talent and creatives. This podcast grants you VIP access into timeless interviews while providing a platform for rising as well as established artists across the continent. Since launching in 2018, Anyiko has interviewed over 70 African music stars.
WADR
This weekly news show aims to have all sides of debate but not be constrained by it, listen to main voices in the contest but not allow them to hold the viewers hostage, entertain debate but allow push back with all due respect.
When death do us part
In this podcast, three widowers openly speak about the process of grief, how they found themselves exposed to the emotional turmoil of losing their wives, and how society still does not know how to deal with them.
Your World
Your World is a health, wellness and variety show. It provides a platform for audiences and experts to share their experiences on how to improve or manage health issues, across Kenya and the Africa region.