Senators warn land grabs at agricultural research centres threaten food security
The Senate committee warned that the illegal occupation of research land, coupled with budget cuts targeting the agricultural sector, pose a serious threat to national food security and research progress.
Senators have sounded the alarm over widespread land grabbing targeting agricultural research institutions, warning it threatens national food security and scientific progress.
During a visit to the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO) station in Naivasha, the Senate Agriculture Committee said the institution is the hardest hit by land grabbing.
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The committee, chaired by Bungoma Senator David Wakoli, warned that the illegal occupation of research land, coupled with budget cuts targeting the agricultural sector, poses a serious threat to national food security and research progress.
“KALRO is facing major threats due to land grabbing. Unscrupulous traders working in collusion with some government officers are targeting this land, and this is seriously disrupting research and production,” Wakoli said.
He added that the Senate would collaborate with the Ministry of Lands to safeguard all land designated for agricultural research and ensure the institutions operate without interference.
Full catalogue
“We will compile a full catalogue of all land allocated for agricultural research and demand that the Ministry of Lands issues title deeds to ensure these institutions can operate independently,” he said.
Despite financial constraints, Wakoli lauded KALRO for continuing to offer vital services to farmers, noting that the institution had played a critical role in supporting farmers through partnerships with county governments.
“The partnership between KALRO and the counties has enabled many farmers to benefit from subsidised chicks and pigs,” he said.
“There is always concern that the financial constraints may affect research and production, but we will work with all agents in the Ministry to ensure delivery on their mandate.”
Amend KALRO Act
Kisumu Senator Tom Ojienda called for an urgent amendment to the KALRO Act of 2013 to enhance the institution’s operational capacity and increase its funding.
“We should get more money for KALRO to boost production, as this institute has great capacity to ensure the country is food sufficient,” Ojienda said.
His sentiments were echoed by Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi, who termed the grabbing of KALRO land as a major obstacle to the country’s food security agenda.
“In Naivasha, the research station has over 3,000 acres, but half of this has been grabbed by individuals, and the cases are dragging on in court,” Mundigi said.
KALRO Director Samuel Mbuku admitted that the institution is under financial strain but said they are working with county governments and development partners to meet the needs of farmers.
“Other challenges include drought, which is affecting our production systems, diseases, and the high cost of inputs, but we are addressing them using climate-smart technologies,” Mbuku said.
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