NAIROBI, Kenya – In his third State of the Nation Address, President William Ruto assured Kenyans that his administration’s focus on agricultural reforms is yielding significant results, edging the country closer to food security.
“Slowly but surely, we are building a food-secure Kenya where families need not worry or worry least about their next meal,” Ruto told Parliament, framing food security as a cornerstone of his government’s agenda.
The President highlighted strategic interventions that have bolstered the country’s food reserves. Kenya now boasts 47 million 90-kilogram bags of maize in storage, alongside 8.8 million bags of beans, 10.4 million bags of wheat, and 2.1 million bags of rice.
These reserves, he noted, reflect the impact of his administration’s pivot from subsidizing consumption to supporting production.
“This year, we procured and distributed 7.2 million bags of subsidized fertilizer through e-vouchers, reaching 6.5 million farmers in 45 counties. This momentum will not only increase our agricultural output but also reduce reliance on costly food imports,” he said.
Ruto projected a record maize production of 70 million bags, attributing the surge to increased access to affordable inputs and targeted policies.
Additionally, the government has secured long-term agreements with 11 fertilizer suppliers, ensuring year-round availability for farmers.
“Fertilizer for long rainy seasons will be stocked in outlets nationwide, ensuring our farmers are ready to plant, grow, and produce,” he emphasized.
Beyond addressing immediate needs, the President framed these reforms as part of a broader strategy for self-reliance and prosperity.
“We have made food more accessible and affordable to many households,” he added, signaling optimism for a future free from the chronic food insecurity that has plagued parts of the country.
While showcasing agricultural achievements, Ruto’s address came against a backdrop of rising criticism over governance issues, including alleged state-sponsored abductions and challenges in key sectors.
The State of the Nation Address, a constitutional obligation under Article 132, requires the President to update Parliament on national security, measures taken to uphold national values, and progress in meeting international obligations.
“Slowly but surely, we are building a food-secure Kenya where families need not worry or worry least about their next meal,” Ruto told Parliament, framing food security as a cornerstone of his government’s agenda.
The President highlighted strategic interventions that have bolstered the country’s food reserves. Kenya now boasts 47 million 90-kilogram bags of maize in storage, alongside 8.8 million bags of beans, 10.4 million bags of wheat, and 2.1 million bags of rice.
These reserves, he noted, reflect the impact of his administration’s pivot from subsidizing consumption to supporting production.
“This year, we procured and distributed 7.2 million bags of subsidized fertilizer through e-vouchers, reaching 6.5 million farmers in 45 counties. This momentum will not only increase our agricultural output but also reduce reliance on costly food imports,” he said.
Ruto projected a record maize production of 70 million bags, attributing the surge to increased access to affordable inputs and targeted policies.
Additionally, the government has secured long-term agreements with 11 fertilizer suppliers, ensuring year-round availability for farmers.
“Fertilizer for long rainy seasons will be stocked in outlets nationwide, ensuring our farmers are ready to plant, grow, and produce,” he emphasized.
Beyond addressing immediate needs, the President framed these reforms as part of a broader strategy for self-reliance and prosperity.
“We have made food more accessible and affordable to many households,” he added, signaling optimism for a future free from the chronic food insecurity that has plagued parts of the country.
While showcasing agricultural achievements, Ruto’s address came against a backdrop of rising criticism over governance issues, including alleged state-sponsored abductions and challenges in key sectors.
The State of the Nation Address, a constitutional obligation under Article 132, requires the President to update Parliament on national security, measures taken to uphold national values, and progress in meeting international obligations.
