The government has launched a nationwide distribution of 12.5 million subsidised fertiliser bags as farmers prepare for the upcoming long rains, a move expected to boost food production and lower farming costs.
According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the fertiliser has already been delivered to depots across the country, with additional consignments set to arrive once another ship docks at the Port of Mombasa.
Authorities say logistical arrangements have been strengthened to ensure timely access for farmers.
Secretary for Administration Harun Khator noted that transport systems and last-mile delivery mechanisms have been reinforced to prevent delays experienced in previous seasons. He explained that trucks are already moving supplies from ports to regional depots and local distribution centres.
Speaking in Kakamega during the launch of a soil health project valued at Sh600 million and covering six counties, Khator said the government has expanded distribution beyond National Cereals and Produce Board depots by setting up 250 last-mile centres nationwide. The aim is to bring fertiliser closer to farmers and reduce congestion at main stores.
He urged farmers to collect inputs early, warning that late collection often creates unnecessary shortages and delays during peak planting periods.
“We have adequate stock. The real challenge comes when farmers wait until the last minute, then complaints arise that fertiliser is unavailable,” he said.
Khator revealed that since 2022, the government has supplied about 25 million bags of fertiliser under the subsidy programme, with half of that allocation targeted for the current long and short rains seasons.
Access to the subsidised fertiliser is being coordinated through the Kenya Integrated Agricultural Management Information System (KIAMIS), which has so far registered approximately 7.2 million farmers.
He encouraged those not yet registered to enrol so they can benefit from fertiliser subsidies, certified seeds, and livestock vaccination programmes.
The official also called on young Kenyans to embrace agriculture, saying improved access to inputs and better logistics are key to making farming more profitable and attractive.
“These interventions are meant to strengthen food security, increase farmer incomes, and position Kenya to not only feed itself but also export surplus produce,” he said.
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