The Standard Digital
Friday, July 06, 2012
President Kibaki has issued a stern warning to terrorists. The President said the Government will hunt down those responsible for acts of terror targeting Kenyans. “Let those who seek to harm us be warned that we will hunt them down. We will not relent in our pursuit and we will not be intimidated,” Kibaki said.
Referring to recent terror attacks in parts of the country, President Kibaki said the Government would mobilise the necessary resources to ensure Kenyans are safe.
“The fight we have embarked on is one against agents of terror. We will complete the work we began in stabilising Somalia. We owe it to ourselves and the people of Somalia,” the Head of State added.
President Kibaki, who was speaking during the official opening of the Nakuru ASK Show, urged Kenyans to work closely with security forces.
He said peace and security are key ingredients of the country’s development agenda.
There was tight security at the event with police offices frisking all those entering the venue.
At the same time, the Head of State said the Government would distribute 39,670 metric tonnes of subsidised fertiliser valued at Sh1.7 billion from August this year.
“A total of 56,700 metric tonnes of various fertilisers have been made available to farmers at subsidised prices while an additional 39,670 metric tonnes valued at 1.7 billion will be distributed from August,” Kibaki added. He said the Government has identified agriculture as the most productive sector for economic development.
Financial support
“It is, therefore, important the sector is organised and supported with financial resources,” he added.
He challenged farmers to learn new technologies and build a strong foundation for increased agricultural productivity.
President Kibaki noted last year Rift Valley produced 21.8 million bags of maize valued at Sh65 billion despite the impact of reduced rainfall.
He observed the region has the potential to produce over Sh36 million bags of maize if farmers apply modern methods of farming.
He said Rift Valley produced 1.9 million metric tonnes of assorted horticultural produce valued at Sh55 billion last year.
Kibaki announced that in the next three years, through the smallholder horticulture marketing programme and horticulture development programme, the Government would invest Sh560 million in the sector.
The President directed the Ministry of Agriculture to resolve problems affecting the pyrethrum sector and ensure institutions that served farmers were working again.
“We need to urgently resolve all pending matters by getting the institutions that serve farmers working again. I therefore instruct the Ministry of Agriculture to move with speed on this matter,” he added.
Among those at the function were Agriculture Minister Sally Kosgei, Livestock minister Mohammed Kuti and Defence Minister Yusuf Haji.