The government has disbursed 3 million bags of fertilizer to reach 7 million farmers across the country to boost food production during the long rainy season beginning March this year.
Principal Secretary for Agriculture Dr. Kipronoh Rono while flagging off the consignment dubbed 2026 Long Rains National Fertilizer Subsidy Programme (NFSP) at the Port of Mombasa said that the government intends to distribute 12.3 million bags throughout the year.
Dr. Rono added that the fertilizer subsidy, a key agriculture pillar for the government, has capped the price at Ksh 2,500 per bag to ensure every farmer from subsistence to large scale can afford the fertilizer consequently increasing yields for homes and the country at large.
The PS alluded to the heavy investment the government has made in fertilizer acquisition and subsidy totaling to Ksh 40 billion since 2022.
“We have made pivotal investments and policies including aligning seed producing companies and the National Serial and Produce Board to ease the burden of production on farmers,” said Dr. Rono.
He also assured farmers of the uncompromised quality of the fertilizer with key agencies including the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) taking the lead to certify the product before it reaches the farms.
Dr. Rono noted that to that effect, this batch is region, crop and soil specific, quality standards that have been set to ensure maximum value for both the farmers and the end consumers.
“This fertilizer is of the highest standard and quality given the fact that it has been attuned to suit different weather, soil and crops, we expect bumper harvests as the year progresses,” said the PS.
He added that the State Department will collaborate with the County Governments in each region to help get the fertilizer to interior and far-flung farms that have traditionally been left out due to logistical issues.
“County governments will collaborate with the national government and the National Cereals and Produce Board to identify strategic collection points where our farmers from the interior and mashinani areas can access this fertilizer,” added Dr Rono.
