Senate committee on agriculture, land and natural resources on Friday described a section of cap 347 of National Irrigation Board as unconstitutional. The committee led by its chairman Lenny Kivuti said that he’s aware that a section of the controversial act is unconstitutional and thus they are null and void. Speaking after committee hearing on rice farming in Mwea constituency, the chairman insisted that any law that contravenes the constitution is null and void and need immediate amendment. “Cap 347 that is used by NIB in Mwea is Null and Void so farmers are not supposed to be oppressed” said Kivuti The chairman noted that the high court sitting in Nairobi has already declared some section of the act as unconstitutional and observed that those sections be amended by the national assembly to conform to the supreme law of the land. Accompanied by committee members, Boy Juma Boy, Naisula Lesuuda, Henry Ndiemo and Kirinyaga senator Daniel Karaba, the committee observed that they will take the matter of title deeds to national land commission and cabinet secretary in-charge of land to see how they can assist farmers get title deeds of their rice fields. The committee termed issues facing rice farmers in the expansive Mwea irrigation scheme as very emotive single ling out land and revenue from rice as some of the issues which need urgent government interventions. Mr Kivuti said that his committee has received several memorandum from the farmers and County leadership on various issues ailing the irrigation scheme revealing that his committee will put up a report which will be tabled before senate for discussion and adaption. He revealed that his committee will involve the ministry of agriculture, ministry of land and ministry of water and environment while writing its report and promised rice farmers that his committee will definitely come up with good report. The Embu senator said that the hearing which was well attended by farmers was an eye opener as the committee has run a lot from it. He however said that his committee can’t promise farmers when they will get their title deeds but said that they will ensure their case reaches all those concerned. During the proceeding farmers said that they have confidence with National Irrigation Board and should continue discharging its mandate in the 28,000 acres rice field. They argued that NIB has been able to manage the scheme and provide water and other infrastructures needed in the largest rice irrigation scheme. Kirinyaga senator Daniel Karaba said that he was pleased by the committee move to hear farmer’s grievances saying that he’s optimistic the myriads problem facing rice farmers will be dealt with. Karaba singled out issue of importation of cheap rice in the country as one of the issue the government must look at urgently. He said that cheap rice imported in the country has greatly affected the prices of rice in the country forcing the farmers to incur heavy looses. He also demanded subsidized fertilizer for rice farmers saying that government has neglected rice farmers while catering for other sectors. The senator pointed that the president directed prices of fertilizer for maize to be subsidized but left out that is used by rice farmers. Ends…………………