The Principal Secretary (PS) for Agriculture, Dr Paul Ronoh, has today flagged off the distribution of two million bags of fertilizer under the National Fertiliser Subsidy Programme at the Port of Mombasa, bringing relief to over six million farmers after weeks of delays.
The consignment will be delivered to 354 National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots across the country, cooperative societies, and certified Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) depots, where farmers can access it.
The timely intervention by the government comes as a major relief to thousands of farmers who had faced uncertainty due to delays in fertilizer distribution, occasioned by the Middle East conflict, which forced vessels to take longer routes through South Africa to reach Mombasa.
Farmers across the country had raised concerns over the delay in subsidized fertilizer retailing at Sh2,500, as the long rains are already underway and many had already planted. Some had pitched tents at NCPB depots, hoping to secure fertilizer to prevent stunted crop growth and reduced yields.
The PS assured farmers that fertilizer will reach their nearest depots within the week, enabling them to redeem supplies and continue with food production.
He noted that several depots in the North Rift region had already received fertilizer, and the arrival of the large consignment will further boost farming activities.
“We have no doubt as a government that our farmers will now get enough fertilizer in all the stores, and they can now move comfortably to their farms and continue farming,” said the PS.
To ensure a steady supply and assist farmers who may have delayed planting, the PS directed NCPB to open depots on weekends and public holidays. The State Department for Agriculture has also engaged transporters and the Kenya Railway Corporation, through the Ministry of Roads and Transport, to ensure the consignment is delivered faster and more efficiently.
PS Ronoh noted that the government has already put in place a robust plan for next year’s fertilizer subsidy to cushion farmers against any disruptions beyond its control.
Farmers were also lauded for diversifying into other crops beyond traditional ones to boost their incomes and contribute to the economy.
“Most farmers have diversified and are now planting different types of crops, especially cash crops. We have seen farmers planting coffee, avocados, macadamia, and other crops apart from maize and vegetables, which will help transform the economy. If we engage farmers effectively, this economy will change,” he said.
Unscrupulous dealers and their collaborators selling government-subsidized fertilizer above the approved price of Sh2,500 was warned that they will be arrested and charged.
“We are aware of such individuals. We have identified some in Meru County who are exaggerating the sizes of their land, and our digital system has flagged those who have provided false information,” the PS said, warning that those involved will face arrest.
National Assembly Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock Chairperson John Mutunga urged farmers to be cautious of brokers as distribution begins. He noted that plans are at an advanced stage to ensure farmers collect fertilizer and seeds directly from NCPB depots.
He also urged Kenyans to ignore political propaganda surrounding fertilizer distribution, noting that the government has already distributed over seven million bags this year. He challenged the Kenya Seed Company to expedite the distribution of seeds, stating that the government has released Sh2 billion for subsidized seeds.
Soy Constituency MP David Kiplagat criticized opposition politicians for politicizing fertilizer distribution, noting that the Kenya Kwanza administration reduced the price from Sh7,000 to Sh2,500.
“We want to ask the opposition to find other issues to address. On the fertilizer subsidy, they have crossed the red line. We have enough fertilizer in this country,” he said.
The MP also accused the Kenya Seed Company of delaying the reduction of certified seed prices despite the release of subsidy funds. He issued a two-day ultimatum for prices to be lowered.
“We urge them to stop the monkey business they are engaging in; they must either shape up or ship out,” he said.
By Sadik Hassan
