This archive report was first published on 8 June 2020.
On June 8, 2020, the Ministry of Public Service, Youth, and Gender Affairs called for increased funding to support the clean potato seeds production unit at the Tumaini National Youth Service in Nyandarua County, Kenya.
The unit, which uses aeroponics and hydroponics technology, has seen a four percent increase in production since its establishment a year ago. However, the demand for disease-free potato seeds has outpaced the unit's capacity, prompting the Ministry to appeal for additional funding.
Chief Administrative Secretary Rachel Shebesh toured the project and urged Members of Parliament to support the initiative during the next budget-making process. She emphasized that the project aligns with President Uhuru Kenyatta's 'Big Four' agenda in the food security sector.
Shebesh also called on the County administration to form a working relationship with the unit to boost local potato production. The unit's commanding officer, Kennedy Nyakang'o, noted that the use of certified seeds can increase yields significantly, with one certified tuber capable of producing 16 tubers compared to 3-6 tubers from recycled seeds.
Nyandarua Deputy Governor expressed regret over the lack of certified seeds in the county, which has led to low yields due to diseased seeds. Nyandarua County Women Representative Faith Gitau pledged to help farmers access clean planting potato seeds through the National Affirmative Action Fund.
