NAIROBI, Kenya – Farmers across Kenya’s agricultural heartlands can breathe a sigh of relief as the government moves to address a nationwide fertilizer shortage ahead of the critical planting season.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh confirmed the shortage, particularly in maize-growing regions, but assured that all National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots will be fully restocked by next week.
The shortage comes at a pivotal time, with farmers in the North and South Rift—the country’s grain basket—preparing for the long rains planting season.
The government has allocated Sh6.6 billion to its fertilizer subsidy program, a move aimed at lowering production costs and boosting farm yields.
President William Ruto recently signed the Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2025, which includes the funding, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to food security.
“By Monday, all NCPB depots will be fully stocked to ensure access by farmers,” Ronoh said in a statement.
He emphasized that the government has implemented measures to prevent future shortages, streamline distribution, and strengthen food security.
The fertilizer subsidy program has already made significant strides in reducing costs for farmers.
Since 2023, the price of a 50kg bag of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) has dropped from Sh7,000 to Sh2,500, a move that aligns with President Ruto’s promise to lower production costs and increase agricultural output.
“Our target is to produce 61 million bags annually between this season and 2027,” Ruto said in a recent address. “Long rains usually account for 80 percent of a season’s production.”
To ensure the program’s success, the government has enrolled farmers in a digital register and created a database to facilitate the e-voucher system, which allows farmers to access subsidized fertilizer.
This digital approach aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in distribution.
Ronoh acknowledged the challenges faced by farmers and expressed gratitude for their patience. “We appreciate farmers’ patience and cooperation as we work towards a sustainable agricultural sector,” he said.
