In a decisive move to bolster food production and address regional input shortages, the Kenyan government announced the immediate release of over one million bags of subsidised fertiliser. This substantial consignment is targeted at key grain-growing counties, ensuring farmers have the necessary inputs for the current planting season.

Agriculture Principal Secretary Kiprono Rono personally supervised the initiative, visiting National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots in Kitale, Moi’s Bridge, and Eldoret on March 24. His visit coincided with the arrival of numerous lorries queuing to offload the much-needed fertiliser, a sight that brought visible relief to local farmers. Many farmers present at the depots expressed their gratitude, stating that the government had honored its crucial pledge to “deliver the fertiliser… needed to go back to the farms” in a timely manner.

This emergency distribution complements earlier efforts. Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe had previously reported that 2.6 million bags of fertiliser had already been distributed countrywide. The additional million-plus bag shipment is specifically aimed at preventing any planting delays and mitigating the risk of maize shortages later in the year, thereby shoring up national food security.