[File,Standard]That Kenya imports onions from China speaks volumes about the emptiness of promises that government has over the years made about empowering local farmers and even achieving food sufficiency. Heavy importation of agricultural produce could stunt the local agriculture sector, a critical pillar for the Kenyan economy. This is a sector the government should protect by all means, considering the number of people that depend on it. And while outright protectionism should not be advocated for, the government should consider giving incentives to local farmers to produce competitively so that their produce can trade favourably against imports. Creating an enabling environment for local farmers is key in achieving one of Jubilee government’s legacy projects under the Big Four—food security.

Source: Standard Digital June 16, 2021 18:33 UTC