Kitui Senator Enoch Kiio Wambua has sought Senate intervention to protect farmers in Kitui County from exploitation by brokers and middlemen who continue to deny producers fair returns for their agricultural produce.
Speaking in the Senate on Thursday, June 18, 2026, Wambua requested a statement from the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries on measures being taken by the government to address the challenges farmers face in accessing fair markets.
The Senator noted that agriculture remains the primary source of livelihood for the majority of households in Kitui County, but weak market systems have left farmers vulnerable to exploitation by intermediaries.
“Due to limited access to markets, inadequate storage facilities, insufficient market information, and weak bargaining power, many farmers are compelled to sell their produce at unfairly low prices. This significantly reduces their incomes and undermines agricultural productivity and sustainability,” Wambua told the Senate.
He asked the committee to outline the measures the government has put in place to shield farmers from exploitation by brokers and middlemen involved in the marketing of agricultural produce.
Wambua also sought an update on efforts to strengthen agricultural cooperatives and farmer organizations, saying stronger collective bargaining structures would help farmers negotiate better prices and secure improved returns for their produce.
The lawmaker further requested details on interventions aimed at improving access to storage facilities, market information, and other post-harvest support services that are critical in reducing losses and improving farmers’ earnings.
In addition, he pressed the government to explain the steps being taken to establish direct market linkages between farmers and buyers. According to the Senator, such a move would help increase farm-gate prices, reduce reliance on middlemen, and enhance incomes for farming households across the county.
For years, farmers in Kitui have complained about low prices for their produce despite rising production costs, often blaming brokers and weak market structures for denying them fair compensation.
The matter has since been referred to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries, which is expected to provide a response and recommendations on measures to protect farmers and improve agricultural marketing systems in the country.
