The Governor of Meru County H.E. Kiraitu Murungi has today led the government during ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the modern Ntharene Banana Market in Abogeta East Ward, South Imenti.

Governor Kiraitu noted that the Sh95 million project will be the first of three projects aimed at developing three value chains in banana, potato and macadamia production to help farmers increase production and profits.

"We will also be doing a project for potato cold storage in Kibirichia, Buuri and a Macadamia aggregation center at Kitheo in Tigania each of which will be at a similar cost. We expect the new Ntharene Banana Market to be ready for commissioning and hand over to the community within the next one year," said the Governor.

Governor Kiraitu reiterated that his commitment to deliver the vision of transforming Meru, will not be deterred by any political interruptions.

"From now on, I will behave like a river flowing downstream. I will not waste my time engaging in conflicts and political exchanges with anyone, but I will navigate around any obstacle placed on my way to the intended destination, of Making Meru Great; just like a river leaves the mountain and continues unimpeded to the ocean, no matter what obstacles are on its way," he added.

These sentiments were echoed by various leaders including MCAs, CEC members and community and government leaders led by the Deputy Governor Hon. Titus Ntuchiu who said that under Governor Kiraitu’s leadership, Meru has seen many more times the development delivered by the previous regime.

"Some of our competitors who feel intimidated by the massive developments we have delivered across the County in the last less than three years, are not willing to acknowledge the efforts which have gone into lobbying and seeking the partnerships that have led to delivery of what we are witnessing today," said the DG.

CEC member for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries Kagwiria Mutiga announced that alongside the efforts to deliver the projects, the department is also developing policy regulations to ensure banana farmers are not exploited by unscrupulous market practices.

The ceremony was also graced by Dr. Kim Kee Jong, the Director for Korea Program on International Agriculture (KOPIA Kenya) which is also working with Governor Kiraitu’s administration to promote indigenous poultry farming (‘Improved Kienyeji’) among farmers in Meru.

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