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Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich has asked residents to plant cash crops to increase their household earnings.
In an emotional post on his Facebook page, Rotich reached elites from the county for support in enrolling farmers to coffee, pyrethrum and cotton.
He also appealed to his staff to lead by example and grow at least a cash crop.
The governor said December is a month where most people gather for family, clan and community meetings.
He said residents should use the gatherings to educate and enroll their people in cash crop production, to generate income and reduce dependency rate in the county.
“As we head towards the end of the year, I have a kind request and message to all those who support many dependents and have gone through a huge task trying to better the lives of immediate, extended family and neighbours,” Rotich said.
“I would like you to enroll our people to grow cash crops in the next rainy season.”
The governor identified coffee, pyrethrum and cotton as the major economic turn around in the county.
He projected that in six months, household earnings would have improved through sale of the pyrethrum.
“I want you to ensure each of the household you support enrolls for pyrethrum and cash crops. Within six months, dependency will reduce and you can free more money for other investments,” Rotich said.
He urged residents to grow half an acre of pyrethrum or coffee in a short period, to end poverty.
The governor has identified cash crop promotion as a game changer in economic revolution in Elgeyo Marakwet.
His Kilimo Biashara programme, advocates for the growing of at least a cash crop in every ward.
Rotich urged Kerio Valley residents to venture into cotton production, which according to him, will also arrest insecurity that has led to many deaths and disrupted services in the area.
“Let’s ensure we enroll for cotton and sorghum contract farming that I am signing next week,” he said.
“Also, encourage each of them to be a member of a cooperative, rural sacco or a table banking group.”
The governor said there are many other crops that can transform the lives of residents but he has chosen coffee, cotton and pyrethrum because they are affordable and have ready market.
“If each of us does this in the family meeting we shall eradicate poverty in one single season in 2023, free majority of us and restore dignity to all our families.” BY THE STAR