Farmers reject AFC merging #kenya

Farmers in the Rift Valley have rejected a plan by the government to merge the Agricultural Finance Corporation with other financial institutions under a restructuring plan for state corporations. A government task force appointed by President Uhuru Kenyatta has recommended that AFC be merged with other financial institutions under the new plan. The farmers yesterday said the merger will water down the role played by AFC in agriculture. "AFC has to remain independent and be given more cash to help farmers instead of merging it with other financial institutions," said Kipkorir Menjo, the director of the Kenya Farmers Association. The same sentiments were echoed by Musa Barno from the Kenya National Farmers Union. The two who were speaking at a farmers consultative meeting where they said AFC was established to adress specific needs for farmers and its role can not be downplayed.