The government has announced plans to revamp the Warehouse Receipt System (WRS).
State Department of Trade Principal Secretary Alfred Ombudo K’Ombudo says the decision is aimed at strengthening and supporting storage.
This, the PS said, will enable farmers to have access to well-sorted and stored grains among other commodities.
Addressing the press after visiting the Eldoret Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot, the Trade PS said Warehouse Receipt System was a key component that would support Kenya Kwanza’s bid to enhance food production.
“The system will allow farmers to have access to financial tools early enough as they wait for better prices. It will also allow access to safe storage that is graded and sorted, kept free from destruction,” PS K’Ombudo.
The Warehouse Receipt System was established in July 2019 through an Act of Parliament the Warehouse Receipt System (WRS) Bill 2017.
Access to market
It was meant to provide a legal framework for the development and regulation of a WRS to address marketing challenges associated with the grain sub-sector.
But since its establishment, the system has not yet been fully embraced by targeted farmers.
However, with the government’s new efforts to address the high cost of living by providing support to a farmer at the grassroots, the Trade PS believes the system will be key.
“This is important for us because, with the cost of living debate currently ongoing, safe storage of grains will lead to better access to the market. A farmer will also be assured of better prices,” said PS K’Ombudo.
He also revealed that the government was looking at increasing the number of certified storage facilities offering the Warehouse Receipt System.
The PS noted that already a number of players in the private sector have expressed interest in partnering with the government.
“We have several players, both government and private that have taken steps to make sure more warehouses are certified,” said the Trade PS.
