Kenya: Ruto Unveils Measures to Protect Food Security Amid Below-Average Rainfall

What the report says

President William Ruto said the Kenyan government is moving to support farmers and protect food supplies after below-average rainfall hurt crop production in key farming areas, according to Capital FM’s report distributed by AllAfrica. He said officials plan to reduce the cost of fertiliser and seeds so farmers can plant when expected rains arrive in September and October.

Speaking at a Sunday church service at ACK St Stephen’s Chepkoilel in Moiben Constituency, Uasin Gishu County, Ruto said the short-term goal is to keep food available despite recent crop losses linked to poor rains. He also pointed to a longer-term water strategy under the National Infrastructure Fund, including plans for large, medium and micro dams to support irrigation, especially in arid and semi-arid regions.

The report also said Ruto used the event to promote a proposed National Development Charter and call for a wider national conversation on Kenya’s future development path. In separate remarks, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said the government has invested in modernising security equipment, while local leaders praised affordable housing and other projects for creating jobs. The article places the announcement in the context of Kenya’s broader efforts to balance climate-related agricultural pressures with long-term infrastructure and development planning.