The Kitui Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock, led by Dr. Kimwele Mbaya, has come under scathing criticism after being ranked the worst-performing ministry in Kitui County for 2024. This shocking revelation comes despite the county government allocating over Ksh I Billion in the financial year 2023-2024 budget to boost agriculture and livestock production in the region. Farmers and leaders are now questioning Dr. Mbaya’s capacity to lead, with some calling for his resignation.
Dr. Mbaya, who unsuccessfully vied for the Kivou Ward seat in 2022, now faces the wrath of the public over his ministry’s consistent underperformance. The failure to deliver on promises, coupled with reports of stalled projects and lack of proper planning, has left Kitui residents disillusioned and angry.
The Worst Performer Amid Rising Expectations
A recent performance evaluation conducted by Kitui County’s leadership ranked the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock as the poorest-performing department, a damning indictment of its management under Dr. Mbaya. While other ministries showed at least some progress in meeting their objectives, agriculture—a key sector in Kitui’s economy—remains in shambles.
This poor ranking comes in stark contrast to the heavy financial investments made by Governor Julius Malombe’s administration. The Ministry was allocated Ksh 800 million to implement programs aimed at improving food security, enhancing irrigation, and supporting livestock farmers. However, the anticipated transformation has yet to be felt, leaving farmers and residents grappling with the same old challenges.
Missed Opportunities and Stalled Projects
Dr. Mbaya has repeatedly promised a shift from rain-fed agriculture to irrigated farming as a solution to Kitui’s perennial food insecurity. Yet, these promises have largely remained on paper. During the 2024 Agricultural Show and Trade Fair at Ithookwe Showground, Speaker Kinengo urged farmers to embrace modern farming methods to boost productivity, but little has been done to implement the necessary infrastructure to support this transition.
Farmers accuse the ministry of failing to deliver on critical programs such as irrigation projects, livestock disease control, and market access. “We hear of big budgets, but on the ground, there is nothing to show for it. It’s all talk, no action,” lamented a farmer from Tseikuru.
The 2024 Agricultural Show, themed “Promoting Climate-Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Food and Nutrition Security and Economic Growth,” has done little to mask the glaring failures. Farmers left the event more frustrated than inspired, with many questioning why Kitui continues to lag behind counties with fewer resources.
Public Outrage: Calls for Accountability
The public is now demanding accountability from Dr. Mbaya and his team. Local leaders, farmers, and activists are calling for an independent audit of how the ministry utilized the Ksh 800 million allocated to it. “This ministry has failed, and the person at the helm must answer for it,” said one vocal MCA during a heated county assembly debate.
Dr. Mbaya’s political past is also under scrutiny. Critics argue that his unsuccessful bid for the Kivou Ward seat in 2022 highlights a lack of public confidence in his leadership abilities, which has now carried over to his role as Agriculture Minister. “How can we trust someone who couldn’t even win the trust of his own ward to lead such a critical ministry?” posed a Kitui resident.
Governor Malombe Under Pressure
The ministry’s dismal performance has not only cast a shadow on Dr. Mbaya but also on Governor Malombe’s administration. As the person who appointed Dr. Mbaya, the governor is under immense pressure to act decisively. Residents are demanding a reshuffle in the cabinet, with many calling for Dr. Mbaya’s immediate replacement.
“The Governor must take action. We cannot continue pouring money into a ministry that is clearly failing,” said a farmer from Mwingi.
What Lies Ahead?
The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock has reached a critical juncture. If Dr. Mbaya continues to hold office without significant reforms, Kitui’s agricultural sector risks further stagnation, leaving farmers at the mercy of climate change and dwindling resources.
For now, the question remains: Will Governor Malombe step in to salvage the situation, or will Dr. Mbaya’s tenure as Agriculture Minister go down as one of the most disastrous in Kitui’s history? The clock is ticking, and farmers are running out of patience.
