Meru governor Isaac Mutuma M’Ethingia has called on police officers in Meru County to enhance security in coffee factories in a bid to end the vice.
Mutuma appealed to Meru County Commissioner to find a lasting solution to the recurring issue noting many farmers have endured loss from coffee theft which has affected them and the entire County economically.
“We recognize the pain of loosing coffee through theft. We will work harmoniously with the security agencies in a bid to find a lasting solution to the menace. It’s unfortunate that our factories are loosing a lot of funds due to coffee theft,” said governor Mutuma.
Speaking at Kaaga Methodist Church grounds in Meru town during the Meru Ushirika Day celebrations, governor Mutuma called on the security agencies to beef up security by doing thorough investigations and nabbing culprits involved in the coffee theft.
“Let the police officers liase with the affected factories and investigate because at times it could be an inside job. All the thugs involved must be looted out. It is regretful that at times even watchmen are killed while protecting our coffee,” noted the governor.
Governor Mutuma lauded the Meru Dairy Union for it outstanding performance noting it leads the sector out of a total of 102 registered milk dairy societies in the County.
He advised the farmers to buy the sexed semen from the Dairy union at a reduced price of Sh1400 compared to the previous prize of about Sh 7000.
Governor Mutuma urged other cooperative union to emulate the Meru Dairy Union emphasing that it has been key to the development of Sacco’s in the county.
He advised the cooperative union management to embrace the saving and governance culture in order to safeguard the farmers funds.
“Meru County is the home of cooperatives movements with a total of 460 of them spread across the entire County. Cooperatives movements are the best tools to spur economic development and growth in the County. My government has put in place elaborate interventions measures meant to support the farmers welfare,” said the governor.
The governor spoke during the International Cooperative Day celebration at MCK Kaaga primary school in North Imenti constituency in Meru County.
He insisted that the aggregation park which is now complete will save residents from brokers since farmers will get more return by refining their own products. There are a total of 47 aggregation parks in Kenya.
Governor Mutuma said his government is set to establish three banana fibre production factories in Igembe, Tigania and Imenti to extract fibre from Banana sidal stems for production of human hair, fertilizer for local and export use.
He said the pilot program has already kicked off at Maua vocational and Training college located in Igembe South constituency.
Governor Mutuma said the banana stem will be used in beauty for plaiting hair with different flavors and colours available.
“Banana stems will be used in beauty therapy by plaiting hair. We will bring all flavors and colours because Meru products are original. I urge the residents to fully support the initiative in order to benefit. The best way to progress is by supporting our own locally based products,” said the governor
