Kenya: Raila's Plegdes for Kisii

Source from:  The East African Standard (Nairobi) 6 December 2007 12/07/2007

ODM presidential candidate, Mr Raila Odinga, toured Kuria and Kisii districts, where he unveiled a development strategy for the region. He said he would end cattle rustling, improve infrastructure, revamp agriculture and improve the soapstone industry, which he claimed had been neglected by successive governments. He added that an ODM government would revitalise the tobacco industry to ensure that farmers in Kuria were paid well and promptly. In a move to boost food production, Raila said his government would introduce a food production strategy before Parliament within the first 100 days in power. He added that he would improve poor infrastructure, which he said had hampered marketing of farm inputs and other development plans in the region. "Kuria has for many years lacked vital infrastructure like electricity, telecommunications and good roads, inhibiting the full exploitation of resources," he said. The two regions, he said, were fertile yet the Government did little to promote agricultural activities. He pointed out that only ten per cent of roads in Kisii were tarmacked and promised to improve the situation when he takes over the government. He said the ODM would help expand and develop agricultural potential by making credit to farmers available. "Agriculture is the mainstay of Kenya's economy and there is growing demand for tropical fruits and other farm products within the country. An ODM government will help the communities to produce higher value products for local and international markets," he said. If elected, Raila promised to develop the horticultural sub-sector, which he said had a huge potential. He was speaking in Kehancha town in Kuria District, yesterday, during party campaigns. He later visited several constituencies in Kisii, Gucha and Nyamira districts. An ODM government, Raila said, would also boost tea farming through introduction of high yielding varieties and prompt payment, among other pledges. Enditem