By P, KNA
long rains
Farmers in West Pokot can breathe a sigh of relief as the National Cereals and Produce Board
(NCPB) Kapenguria Depot has confirmed sufficient fertiliser stocks ahead of the anticipated
onset of the long rains.
Speaking to KNA during an interview, Kapenguria Depot Station Manager David
Mining said the depot is fully prepared for the planting season, with supplies delivered on time in
line with government plans to boost food production.
“We are glad to inform farmers that we have enough fertiliser and we received it on
time,” he said.
As of February 19, 2026, the depot has received a total of 25,580 bags of planting
fertiliser. In addition, 13,755 bags of CAN (Calcium Ammonium Nitrate) top-dressing fertiliser
have already been delivered.
According to Mr Mining, the depot is on track with its distribution plan and expects to
receive up to 80,000 bags of planting fertiliser this season, with approximately 50,000 more bags
of top-dressing anticipated before the season concludes, enough to cater for all the farmers.
He urged farmers to collect their allocations early to avoid last-minute congestion during
the peak planting period.
“We encourage farmers to come early enough so that we avoid the rush towards the main
planting season. This time, we assure them there will be enough stocks,” he emphasized.
The fertilizer is retailing at the government-subsidised price of Ksh 2,500 per 50kg bag.
The price applies uniformly to both planting and top-dressing fertilizer.
The subsidized fertilizer program is being implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture,
Livestock, Fisheries and Cooperatives under a Presidential directive aimed at increasing food
production across all counties.
The initiative is part of broader efforts to enhance national food security and cushion
farmers against high input costs.
To access the subsidy, farmers must be registered on the Kenya Integrated Agricultural
Management Information System (KIAMIS) platform. Registration is free of charge and can be
done at the nearest County, Sub-County, or Ward Agricultural Office. Only duly registered
farmers whose details appear in the official register submitted to NCPB qualify for the
subsidized fertilizer.
Once verified, eligible farmers receive an SMS containing an e-voucher code, which
allows them to purchase the fertilizer at NCPB depots or designated Kenya National Trading
Corporation (KNTC) centers.
Compared to previous years, the depot has recorded a steady increase in farmer
turnout. Mr Mining noted that 2025 saw a significant rise in the number of farmers served
compared to 2024, and this year’s figures already surpass those recorded at the same period last
year.
“There are more farmers coming early this year. It could be that farmers want to
prepare in advance, or that the climatic season may start earlier. We have also stocked fertilizer
early enough to meet this demand,” he observed.
With the long rains expected soon, farmers are being encouraged to register promptly
with local chiefs or agricultural offices for validation and take advantage of the subsidy in good
time.
For further assistance, farmers are advised to visit the nearest County Agriculture Office.