Program Overview and Implementation

Since taking office, the administration of Kiambu Governor Kimani Wamatangi has implemented the 'Farm Input Subsidy Programme', a key pillar of his campaign manifesto. The initiative provides free certified hybrid maize seeds and fertilizer to farmers across all of Kiambu's sub-counties. According to a report by the Daily Nation on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, the program has reached over 600,000 farmers over the past two years, with distributions timed for each planting season. The varieties of maize seeds are specifically selected to match the diverse climatic and soil conditions within the county, from semi-arid areas like Ndeiya and Gatuanyaga to the highlands of Githunguri.

Mwenda Kiara, the Kiambu County Executive Committee Member for Agriculture, stated that over 300,000 farmers have benefited from the inputs, with plans to support an additional 60,000 in the upcoming season. The distribution process is managed at the ward level, with agricultural officers registering beneficiaries to ensure wide and equitable reach. The program is fully funded by the county government, which allocated KSh 1.2 billion to the agriculture department in the 2024/2025 fiscal year, as reported by KBC on Friday, June 21, 2024.

Impact on Harvests and Livelihoods

The program has been credited with transforming previously food-insecure areas into productive zones. Farmers in regions like Ndeiya and Ngoliba, who once relied on relief food, are now reporting bumper harvests. Testimonials from beneficiaries highlight a significant turnaround in their fortunes. Mary Wanjiku, a farmer from Ndeiya Ward, reported that after struggling to harvest even a single 90kg bag of maize, she is now food secure and can even sell her surplus produce. Similarly, Margaret Wangari from Githunguri noted the reliability of the program, stating that inputs consistently arrive before the rains begin.

Governor Wamatangi, in an interview on Wednesday, November 5, 2025, emphasized the program's direct impact on household economies. By enabling farmers to grow their own staple food, the initiative shields them from volatile market prices for maize flour. “With the free input and a good harvest, our people no longer care about the cost of the flour because all they need to do is take the maize to the local posho mill,” he stated. This has reportedly eliminated the need for relief food distribution in the county for the past two and a half years.

Broader Agricultural and Economic Context

The success in Kiambu aligns with a positive national outlook. The national government projected a maize harvest of 70 million bags in 2025, a significant increase from 67 million bags the previous year, largely attributed to the national fertilizer subsidy program. Kiambu's initiative serves as a powerful local-level complement to these national efforts, demonstrating the critical role of devolved governments in achieving food security.

Beyond maize, Governor Wamatangi's agricultural strategy includes a multi-faceted approach to empower farmers. The county has distributed improved 'Kienyeji' chicks to over 100,000 women and piglets to youth groups to diversify income streams. The poultry program is linked to the county's Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) school feeding program, creating a sustainable market for eggs and improving child nutrition. Furthermore, the administration is promoting the cultivation of high-value crops like avocados and pixie oranges by distributing seedlings. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to protect agricultural land from rapid urbanization, a significant challenge for a county often dubbed "the bedroom of Nairobi".

Challenges and Future Outlook

While the program has been widely praised by beneficiaries, its long-term sustainability and scalability remain key areas for evaluation. The model is heavily reliant on county government funding, and its continued success will depend on prudent fiscal management and consistent budgetary allocation. In his State of the County Address on Wednesday, October 9, 2025, Governor Wamatangi credited the county's ability to fund such projects to “disciplined leadership, prudent resource management, and the spirit of service.”

The administration's focus on agriculture is set to continue, with the Kiambu County Annual Development Plan for 2025-2026 outlining further investments in the sector. The success of the farm input subsidy program provides a strong foundation, offering a potential blueprint for other counties grappling with similar food security challenges. As harvests continue, the primary focus will shift to ensuring farmers have access to markets and can benefit from value addition, securing the economic well-being of Kiambu's agricultural community for the long term.