Farmers across Kericho County can now access fertiliser under the government’s National Fertiliser Subsidy Programme (NFSP) more conveniently after the County Government, through the Department of Agriculture, operationalised a network of satellite stores to strengthen last-mile delivery of farm inputs and boost agricultural productivity across the region.
The County Government has established new stores at Litein in Bureti, Roret in Litein, Kabianga Tea Farm in Belgut, Kunyak in Kipkelion West, and Chepseon in Kipkelion East to strengthen supply coverage and bring services closer to farming communities.
According to Kericho County Chief Officer in the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries Betsy Chebet, the new outlets complement the existing National Cereals and Produce Board stores located in Kericho Town, Kipkelion, Kedowa, and Fortenan, thereby significantly expanding the county’s fertiliser distribution network and improving efficiency in the supply chain.
She disclosed that additional centres including Kipsamungut Polytechnic, Soin ATC, Chesinende, and Kapcheplanga are set to receive fertiliser stocks in the coming weeks as part of a phased rollout plan to ensure every ward benefits from the programme.
The Chief Officer further said the initiative is part of the county’s broader strategy to cut transport costs for farmers, reduce delays in accessing inputs, and ensure timely fertiliser distribution ahead of the main planting season.
“This programme is meant to bring services closer to our farmers so that no one is left behind in accessing subsidized fertilizer, especially now that the planting season is fast approaching and timely availability of inputs is critical for optimal yields,” she explained.
Chebet revealed that Kericho County currently has over 160,000 registered farmers through the e-voucher system and noted that fertilizer uptake is expected to be significantly high this year due to increased awareness, improved logistics, and the county’s deliberate investment in farmer support programmes.
The National Fertiliser Subsidy Programme (NFSP) is a flagship intervention aimed at making fertiliser affordable and accessible to smallholder farmers while boosting national food production.
The programme is implemented through the National Cereals and Produce Board in partnership with county governments, with registered farmers receiving digital e-vouchers to purchase subsidised fertiliser currently retailing at about Sh2,500 per 50-kilogram bag.
By Kibe Mburu
