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State to distribute subsidised fertiliser to registered farmers ahead of long rains

Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura.

By Lucy Mumbi | 01 Feb 2024

The government has announced the distribution of subsidised fertilisers for the long rains season to registered farmers.

The government has announced the distribution of subsidised fertiliser for the long rains season to registered farmers. Some 6.4 million farmers registered under the Kenya Management Information System (KIAMIS) will access the subsidised fertiliser at Sh2,500 per bag.

In a statement released on Thursday by government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura, he explained the move is in preparation for the planting season. "This distribution began on January 27 with 240,000 bags of NPK 23:23:0 dispatched to NCPB depots and other distribution centres," Mwaura said.

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As of February 1, Mwaura noted that over 32,420 bags have been delivered to early planting counties like Narok, Nakuru, Bomet, Migori, Kisii, and Nyamira. He added that subsidised fertilisers can be accessed through the e-voucher system, with voucher messages redeemable at NCPB depots and last-mile distribution centres.

Expanding access and funding

"To make the fertilisers even more accessible to farmers in villages, 15,890 Agro-dealers and 7,115 stockists are being registered and onboarded to participate in the distribution," Mwaura said.

Mwaura also noted that the government is procuring seven million bags of multiple fertilisers estimated to cost Sh28.2 billion.

2 million bags of Nitrogen, Phosphorus, and Potassium (NPK) 23:23:0

5 million bags of assorted NPK based on soil and crop-specific blends for planting

5 million bags for top dressing

Further, Mwaura said President William Ruto has ordered the allocation of Sh10 billion to the Agricultural Finance Corporation (AFC) to enable farmers to access affordable loans. He explained that AFC has an annual loan demand of Sh15 billion, against its revolving fund of Sh4 billion per year, resulting in a shortfall of Sh10 billion of unfinanced applications.

"To mitigate this funding gap, President William Ruto has directed that AFC be allocated Sh10 billion in the Medium-Term Budget period to finance priority value chains identified in the BETA Plan," he said. "This will ensure Kenyan farmers get access to affordable loans, 7 per day cheaper than commercial loans, and contribute positively to the economy by lowering the cost of living, creating jobs, and earning foreign exchange through agricultural exports."

Last year's initiatives

Last November, President Ruto added Sh8.25 billion to the purchase of fertilisers to help stabilize maize prices in the country. Additionally, Sh2.1 billion was allocated for post-harvest management, including acquisition of dryers, bulk storage facilities, and purchasing excess maize from farmers to protect them from price fluctuations. The government also pledged to buy produce from farmers at Sh4,000 per 90-kilogramme bag.