By Our Correspondents
Worth Noting:
- Public Service Vehicle operators want a common TLB licence for the whole country, facilitation of loans by the Government, reduction of fuel cost, harmonisation of bylaws with Sienta vehicle operators calling for their registration just like matatus.
- For dairy farmers, some of the issues they want the Hustler Nation Government to address are waiver of various loans that they owe financial institutions, provision of milk pestaurization machines to preserve milk for a longer time.
- Some of issues raised that affect coffee and Tea farmers in Nyeri County include lack of guaranteed minimum returns, high cost of brokage during sale of the products, unfavourable coffee laws.
Deputy President Dr. William Ruto yesterday held a consultative meeting with hundreds of Nyeri County leaders and supporters affiliated to his UDA party where he was given a raft of demands that they expect his Government to meet in case he assumes office after the August 9 General Election.
Political leaders led by Governor Mutahi Kahiga, Rigathi Gachagua, Wahome Wamatinga, Rahab Mukami and Speaker of the County Assembly John Kaguchia led leaders from various sectors in outlining issues ailing and hindering those involved to reap maximum benefits.
During the first of its kind that is expected to be held in all counties in the next 60 days, Dr Ruto said the issues raised and resolutions reached will form his government’s manifesto that will guide it.
In Nyeri’s meeting held at Brookrange Gardens in Muringato area near Nyeri town, among the sectors represented were tea, coffee, dairy, horticulture, water, macadamia, ovacados, fish, various vehicles involved in transport for both public and materials, bars & restaurants, second hand clothes, kinyozi, salon and market traders,
Others who presented their views were student leaders, teachers, Maendeleo ya Wanawake officials, artists, juakali artisans, shoe shiners, quarry operators and workers.
Among the issues raised was high taxation, licenses costs, high interest loans, lack of collateral by women and youth, high insurance premiums, high costs of farm inputs and livestock feeds, unreliable power, high cost of health care, operation of 24 hour economy as well as water shortage in some areas.
A close look at the above issues that seems to cut across most of the sectors, individual sub-sectors had unique concerns.
The issues raised by those who met the Deputy President were a replica of what their counterparts who are affiliated to Azimio political faction presented to ODM party leader Raila Odinga in November last year during a similar forum.
In yesterday’s forum, bar and restaurant owners also took issue with limited time of operation, harassment by the police.
Market traders complained of lack of adequate stalls in market centres and proposal for the establishment of saccos in every market.
Public Service Vehicle operators want a common TLB licence for the whole country, facilitation of loans by the Government, reduction of fuel cost, harmonisation of bylaws with Sienta vehicle operators calling for their registration just like matatus.
For dairy farmers, some of the issues they want the Hustler Nation Government to address are waiver of various loans that they owe financial institutions, provision of milk pestaurization machines to preserve milk for a longer time.
Some of issues raised that affect coffee and Tea farmers in Nyeri County include lack of guaranteed minimum returns, high cost of brokage during sale of the products, unfavourable coffee laws.
Among the proposed remedies which the Government will be expected to have in place is ensure that farm inputs are lowered to an affordable price so that farmers can maximize their production, ensure farmers can access loans at 3% rate at various financial institution’s, provide farmers with the latest information and technology so that they can reap maximum benefits and look for foreign markets for macadamia and avocados.
It was also proposed that the new government will channel money to micro and small businesses through market saccos with little interest rate of 5%.This will not need title deeds you only need group guarantee.
Other issues that UDA government will deal with before the end of the year is ensuring that every person has an NHIF cover. For those who can’t be able to pay, the government will pay for them.
The hustler nation government will provide a mechanism to Protect farmers from fluctuating prices.
While thanking Nyeri people for their support and raising serious issues that will guide his government, Dr Ruto noted that after the end of such meetings in all counties, he will sign a charter committing him into ensuring his Government addresses them.
Dennis Dibondo