By John Majau
Meru County Assembly has passed a motion that will enable the county government to set aside funds to support miraa farming.
The motion moved by Naathu MCA Samuel Mutura intends to mainstream activities to add value to the county’s cash crop.
The three sub-counties: Igembe North, Igembe South and Tigania East are largely dependent on miraa farming.
“Miraa crop is the main source of livelihood for greater number of people, we urge the county government of Meru to set aside funds to support miraa farmers,’’said Mutura.
Leaders who contributed to during the debate asked Miraa Taskforce Implementation Committee chaired by Kello Harsana to release Sh1billion kitty.
They also want Embu and Tharaka Nithi counties muguka farmers who have demanded a share of the kitty locked out, saying the funds were allocated to miraa farmers only.
Nkuene Ward Rep Martin Makasi said the government has taken too long to administer the Sh1billion kitty and urged Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mwangi Kiunjuri to release the money immediately.
“The motion was long overdue, the county government should make this a priority and set aside funds for the cash crop which generates a lot of revenue to the devolved unit,” he said.
Former Woman Rep Florence Kajuju had lobbied for a Bill that aimed at categorizing miraa as a cash crop.
