June 29, 2026 - Farmers in Garissa County have petitioned the County Assembly to intervene in addressing persistent challenges affecting the agriculture sector, including recurring floods, inadequate funding, shortage of extension officers and deteriorating farm machinery.
The petition, submitted by the Garissa Farmers Network (GFN), was presented by the organisation's chairperson Abdullahi Abdi and formally received by County Assembly Speaker Abdi Idle Gure.
In the petition, the farmers say annual floods continue to wreak havoc on farming communities by destroying crops, irrigation infrastructure, access roads and arable land, leading to reduced agricultural production, food insecurity and loss of livelihoods.
Garissa is among Kenya's counties that experience frequent flooding due to the overflow of the Tana River and seasonal heavy rains. While the floods replenish pasture and water sources, they often destroy farms, displace families and damage critical infrastructure, leaving many farmers struggling to recover each year.
The petitioners also expressed concern over what they described as inadequate budgetary allocations to the agriculture sector despite its importance to the county's economy and food security.
They further cited a severe shortage of agricultural extension officers across all wards, saying the gap has denied farmers access to technical advice, modern farming technologies and climate-smart agricultural practices needed to improve productivity and build resilience against climate change.
The farmers also called attention to the deteriorating state of Agricultural Machinery Services equipment, alleging that much of the publicly owned machinery has become inoperative due to poor maintenance, vandalism and prolonged disrepair, limiting access to mechanised farming services.
According to the petition, previous attempts to resolve the issues through the county executive have failed to produce lasting solutions.
Among the measures sought by the farmers are a comprehensive inquiry into the recurring floods and recommendations for long-term mitigation, including the construction and rehabilitation of dykes, drainage systems, riverbank protection works and climate-resilient irrigation infrastructure.
They also want increased funding for the Department of Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, improved maintenance of farm access roads, establishment of farmers' markets across the county, recruitment of more agricultural extension officers and an investigation into the condition of Agricultural Machinery Services equipment with recommendations for urgent repairs and protection of public assets.
Receiving the petition, Speaker Abdi Idle Gure reaffirmed the County Assembly's commitment to upholding citizens' constitutional right to petition public institutions.
"The County Assembly remains committed to ensuring that the voices of our farmers are heard and that matters affecting their livelihoods receive the attention they deserve," he said.
Deputy Speaker and Iftin MCA Mustafa Abdirashid urged the Assembly's Finance, Budget and Appropriations Committee, chaired by Damajale MCA Omar Abdi Hassan, to consider reviewing the county's budget estimates, expected to be tabled this week, to accommodate the pressing needs raised by farmers.
Garissa Farmers Network is an umbrella cooperative and advocacy organisation with approximately 1,700 members drawn from across the county. The organisation works to strengthen agricultural production, improve market access and promote sustainable livelihoods.
The petition follows an earlier engagement between GFN officials and the County Assembly, during which the farmers sought guidance on the procedures for submitting a public petition.
The matter will now be referred to the relevant sectoral committee, which is expected to consult the petitioners and other stakeholders before presenting its findings and recommendations to the Assembly for debate and consideration.
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