Kenya flags off national fertilizer subsidy programme to support farmers and food supply
The government has begun nationwide distribution of subsidised fertilizer as part of wider efforts to support farmers ahead of the long rains season.
KENYA – The government has launched a national fertilizer subsidy programme with the rollout of three million 50 kilogram bags to major farming regions as preparations for the long rains planting season begin.
Principal Secretary for Agriculture Dr Kipronoh Ronoh Paul CBS led the launch in Mombasa, saying the early dispatch would help farmers plant on time and avoid losses linked to delayed inputs.
The first consignments will go to Narok, Bomet, Nyamira, Kisii, Kericho, the North Rift, Bungoma and Kakamega, areas that play a key role in maize and tea production.
Dr Ronoh said the government plans to scale up distribution to 12.5 million bags over the course of the year to cover the full planting cycle. “We are ensuring that farmers get fertilizer early so they can plant during the long rains,” he said. “This programme will run throughout the year to make sure supply remains steady.”
He was joined by Principal Secretary for Investment, Trade and Industry Abubakar Hassan and Agriculture and Food Authority Director General Dr Bruno Linyiru MBS OGW. Officials said the joint appearance showed close coordination across ministries to support farmers and protect national food supply.
Lower input costs for farmers
The fertilizer subsidy programme has a budget of KSh 8.0 billion, equal to about US$53.3 million. The government said the funding will reduce the cost of fertilizer for smallholder farmers who face high input prices at the start of each season.
Farmers in tea and maize growing areas welcomed the move, noting that fertilizer prices have strained household budgets in recent seasons.
A maize farmer in Bungoma said access to subsidised inputs could improve yields if delivery remains timely. “When fertilizer comes early, we can plan properly and plant without stress,” he said.
Wider agriculture spending in 2025/26
Beyond fertilizer, the 2025/26 national budget set aside KSh 10.2 billion, about US$68 million, for the National Agricultural Value Chain Development Project. The programme focuses on improving market access, processing and incomes for crop and livestock farmers.
The budget also allocated KSh 800 million, or roughly US$5.3 million, to small scale irrigation and value addition to reduce post harvest losses and support production during dry periods.
Overall, the agriculture sector received KSh 47.6 billion, equal to around US$317 million, in the current financial year. This marks a reduction from KSh 54.6 billion, or about US$364 million, in 2024/25, raising concerns about efficient use of available funds.
Kenya’s public debt, now above KSh 10 trillion, or about US$66.7 billion, has also drawn attention to the long term cost of large subsidy programmes. Government officials said they will monitor distribution closely to ensure support reaches smallholder farmers and delivers clear results during the planting season.
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