Kenyan farmers have challenged the government’s decision to allow Zambian farmers to grow maize solely for export to the Kenyan market.
According to court filings, farmers represented by the Farmers Party of Kenya argue that engaging Zambia to produce maize is illogical because Zambia is suffering a similar situation.
They allege Zambia is likewise importing maize to meet its citizens’ needs.
“The contested decision is not only offensive, but also unfeasible for the simple reason that Kenya has more arable land than Zambia,” they stated.
According to the party, Kenya has around 5.8 million hectares of arable land while Zambia has 3.8 million hectares.
The government in March chose to hire Zambian farmers to carry out extensive cultivation for export into Kenya.
Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi stated during the signing of the MoU in Lusaka last month that the action will contribute in achieving food security.
Kenya has been granted at least 50,000 acres of land for maize cultivation during the current planting season as part of the agreement.
However, the petitioner has urged the High Court in Milimani to intervene and prevent Linturi from proceeding with the execution of the MoU between Kenya and Zambia.
Also sought is an order compelling Linturi to provide them with a copy of the MoU between the two countries to produce maize in Zambia for export to Kenya.
The party argues that the decision is illegal and has violated certain sections of the Constitution one of them being Article 10.
The said article provides for public participation, but the party claims the decision was made without involving Kenyan Farmers and Agriculture stakeholders.
In the same breadth, the farmers have said Linturi usurped the power of the Kenyan people in making a decision touching on their nationality and interests without involving them.
