Over 300,000 small-scale farmers in Trans Nzoia County are receiving free maize seeds as part of Governor George Natembeya's KES 139 million initiative to boost food production and ensure food security in Kenya's breadbasket.

As the long rains approach, the Trans Nzoia County administration has launched an expansive agricultural subsidy programme. Hundreds of thousands of farmers are being equipped with high-yielding maize seeds at zero cost.

This timely intervention arrives when the spiraling cost of farm inputs threatens to cripple crop production nationwide. By removing the financial burden of acquiring certified seeds, the county aims to guarantee a bumper harvest, stabilizing local livelihoods and fortifying the national strategic grain reserve against potential deficits.

Shielding Farmers from Economic Shocks

The agricultural sector, the backbone of Kenya's economy, has faced unprecedented headwinds in recent years. Global supply chain disruptions, coupled with domestic economic pressures, have sent the prices of essential farm inputs soaring. For the small-scale farmer in Trans Nzoia, historically recognized as the country's leading maize-producing region, these rising costs have often meant compromised yields or abandoned acreage.

Governor George Natembeya, while launching the distribution exercise in Nabiswa, Kiminini sub-county at 10:00 AM EAT, underscored the urgency of the situation. He noted that the high cost of living has severely impacted farming communities, necessitating direct government intervention. The KES 139 million programme, now in its third consecutive year, is a deliberate strategy to shield these vulnerable growers. By providing free seeds, the county is effectively putting money back into the pockets of farmers, allowing them to allocate their limited resources to other pressing needs such as land preparation and pest control.

Ambitious Production Targets and National Appeal

The scale of the initiative reflects the county's ambitious agricultural goals. The administration is targeting a historic harvest, projecting a yield of seven million bags of maize in the upcoming season. Such an output would not only solidify Trans Nzoia's premier status in food production but also significantly bridge the national maize deficit, which frequently forces the country into costly importations.

• Over 300,000 farmers targeted across all sub-counties.
• KES 139 million invested in the seed distribution programme.
• Projected harvest target of 7,000,000 bags of maize for the season.

However, the Governor emphasized that county efforts alone are insufficient. He issued a strong appeal to the national government to complement these regional initiatives by providing completely free fertilizer and additional seeds. He argued that the current subsidized fertilizer models remain out of reach for the poorest farmers, thereby limiting the sector's overall potential.

The Push for Crop Diversification

While maize remains the focal point, the county leadership is acutely aware of the risks associated with monoculture. Climate change, characterized by unpredictable weather patterns, alongside emerging pests and diseases, poses a constant threat to maize reliance. Consequently, the seed distribution programme is part of a broader, more resilient agricultural masterplan.

Farmers are being actively encouraged and supported to embrace crop diversification. The county is championing the cultivation of high-value cash crops such as coffee, tea, and avocado. This strategic shift aims to create multiple income streams for households, reducing their vulnerability to the cyclical price fluctuations and weather-related shocks that often plague maize farming. A diversified agricultural base is seen as the ultimate buffer against rural poverty in East Africa.

"We will continue supporting our farmers to ensure they earn a dignified living from their sweat, while simultaneously driving this nation towards absolute food security."