Mkumbo inspects state farms, stresses public benefit
KILIMANJARO: THE Minister of State in the President’s Office, Planning and Investment, Prof Kitila Mkumbo, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that public investments benefit citizens.
He made the remarks on Wednesday during a tour of four state-owned farms in Siha District, Kilimanjaro Region, aimed at assessing their productivity and effectiveness for the benefit of the nation.
Speaking to residents of Ngarenairobi Ward in Endumeti Village, Prof Mkumbo said investment does not necessarily have to come from outside the country, stressing that the government will ensure all investments generate benefits for wananchi.
He assured residents that, while the government remains committed to attracting investors, it will not make decisions that compromise the interests of the people of Siha.
During the tour, Prof Mkumbo, accompanied by the Permanent Secretary in the President’s Office (Investment), Dr Fred Msemwa; Treasury Registrar Nehemiah Msechu; Siha District Commissioner Dr Christopher Timbuka; and Siha Member of Parliament Dr Godwin Mollel, visited Harlington, Journey’s End, Fosters and Kanamodo farms.
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The Treasury Registrar manages a total of 10 farms on behalf of the government, key assets for the development of commercial agriculture and the national economy. These farms fall into two categories.
The first comprises farms formerly owned by the National Agricultural and Food Corporation (NAFCO), which remained under government ownership following a presidential directive to halt their privatisation for productive use.
These include Basotu, Hanang, Namtumbo, Ruvuma, Harlington, Journey’s End, Fosters and Kanamodo, with the latter four located in West Kilimanjaro.
The second category includes farms acquired by the government in the national interest, namely KPL Mng’eta in Morogoro, Malalua Flower Farm in Arusha and Kiliflora farms in Usa River and Chekereni, Arusha.
