By Leon Mutwiri
The Meru County government has lauded the Telecommunication giant Safaricom PLC for establishing mega projects meant to spur development and cater for the welfare of the community.
Deputy Governor Linda Kiome said they had partnered with Safaricom PLC to build projects such as the 40 million shillings mother and child ICU wing being developed at Mituntu dispensary, the Timau maternal theatre and High Dependency Unit(HDU) and ICU in Uruku.
The Deputy Governor also applauded Safaricom PLC for launching ‘Bundle ya Mkulima’, a new bundle aimed for the farmers across the country to enable them research and get assistance on farming.
Speaking during the launch of the ‘Bundle ya Mkulima’ by Safaricom at the Three steers hotel in Meru town, Ms Kiome commended the telecommunication giant for the role it has played in bettering the social standards of the residents through its education and health projects.
She termed the new bundle as a savior and a way through which farmers can access various digital services.
“Through Safaricom, you can get information on your phone on how to safely grow and produce healthy crops,” noted Ms Kiome.
She expressd optimism that farmers will take up the opportunity presented by the telecommunications services provider and move to more safe ways to grow crops noting such a move will reduce the influx of oesophageal and gastrointestinal cancers which are pinning down many residents of the county.
“Through your support, our farmers’ eyes will be opened and they will implement proper use of various farm inputs,” emphasized the Deputy Governor.
She however urged farmers to take up organic farming and preferably opt for compost manure for their land since it is the safest way to grow healthy foods.
Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries CECM Janaro Guantai Gatangugi praised the new bundle arguing that it will ease their operations.
“Bundle ya Mkulima has made our work easy, especially the extension and veterinary services. Through the bundle, farmers can self diagnose crops and livestock diseases through the Mkulima Mshauri service. This will save the time wasted waiting for or seeking services of an officer,” noted Guantai.
He said the county leadership is committed to continue supporting farmers to easily access various services such as soil testing, veterinary and extension services as well as timely provision of inputs to ensure farmers continue to increase their production.
Edited by John Majau
