Promises galore as President Kenyatta ends Meru tour

President Uhuru Kenyatta addresses a gathering at Lare trading centre in Igembe North in Meru County on the second day of his tour on February 28, 2015. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI |  NATION MEDIA GROUP

In Summary

• Head of State urges residents and leaders to dissolve small parties and join JAP.
• Among pledges President made is construction of dams, resolve boundary row, petition UK to lift ban on miraa.

By KENNEDY KIMANTHI
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By DICKSON MWITI
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President Uhuru Kenyatta wound up his two-day tour of Meru in Nyambene where he assured miraa farmers of the government’s commitment to save their main source of livelihood.

President Kenyatta said he was aware of the tribulations the farmers were going through especially after the United Kingdom slapped a ban on the commodity.

The ban took effect on June 24, 2014. Speaking in Mikinduri, Mutuati, Laare and Maua towns where the crop is largely grown, he said the government would continue to petition Britain to review the ban.

“We know there have been problems because of the ban. We have put emphasis on this issue and I want to assure Meru residents that it is the government’s responsibility to see to it that this problem is resolved,” he said.

He directed the Ministry of Agriculture to assist farmers in the miraa growing zones to diversify to other crops. Meru Governor Peter Munya urged the national government to have the World Trade Organisation treat the matter as a trade dispute between Kenya and the European Union.

“The ban was in disregard of international trade laws that allow free trade and reciprocal treatment,” Mr Munya said.

Miraa has been an important cultural crop in Meru county, particularly for the Igembe and Tigania areas.

Last year, lawmakers from the region travelled to the UK to lobby against the ban, arguing that it was unjustified.

But the government went ahead and prohibited its use and consumption despite the UK House of Common’s Home Affairs Select Committee pushing for the lifting of the ban.

ARMS SMUGGLING

At the same time, the President raised concern over claims that some businessmen involved in the trade were behind the smuggling of firearms into the country.

“If we are to allow the transportation of miraa at night then we will require your help in identifying criminals disguising as miraa traders to ferry illegal firearms. Let the public volunteer this information to the police,” Mr Kenyatta said.

He said the government would resolve the border dispute between Meru and Isiolo counties believed to fuel insecurity along the common border.

He said national government surveyors will work with those from both Meru and Isiolo counties to fast-track the demarcation of the border.

Nyambene region was also rewarded with two new sub-counties, Tigania Central and Igembe Central, with the President assuring that administrators will be posted to the region soon.
“This is in line with the national government’s efforts to have residents access crucial services without having to go to far-flung places,” he said at Mikinduri residents.

Earlier on, President Kenyatta, who was accompanied by MPs and senators, toured the site of the ongoing tarmacking of the Miathene-Mikinduri road in Tigania West.

He also promised that works on Mwithaga and Kingirwa irrigation projects in Tigania West will start soon.

The President said dams will also be constructed in Nyamebene and Mt Kenya to ensure the counties are water sufficient.