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The government has assured Kenyans that concerns regarding the quality of subsidy fertilizers have been addressed.
During the launch of the 2025 Long Rains National Fertilizer Subsidy Programme, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja highlighted that every batch of fertilizer will now undergo thorough inspection to guarantee that only high-quality products reach farmers.
“The Kenya Kwanza Government remains committed to ensuring food security and access to nutritious, quality food. Through this subsidy program, we have seen notable improvements in food production, lower costs of essential goods, and better livelihoods for farmers,” Karanja said.
He confirmed that the government has secured 7.4 million bags of fertilizer, with the majority expected to arrive at distribution centers by mid-January 2025.
Karanja also reassured that the cost of government-subsidized fertilizer will remain affordable at Sh2,500 per 50-kg bag.
To improve accessibility, he mentioned that the government is expanding the number of distribution points through partnerships with cooperatives and agro-vet stores, in addition to the existing NCPB depots.
“Registered farmers will receive e-vouchers, which can be redeemed at these outlets. County governments are actively involved in streamlining the process to reach as many farmers as possible,” he added.
The government faced criticism after reports surfaced that fake subsidized fertilizers were being distributed by officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock.
The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) confirmed that counterfeit fertilizers, branded GPC Plus Organics and packaged in 25kg bags, were being sold, following an investigation by Africa Uncensored, an independent journalism organization.
The then agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi survived an impeachment motion in April 2024, after a parliamentary committee found that the allegations against him were unfounded.
The concerns are centered around the procurement and distribution of subsidized fertilizer, which is currently under investigation for authenticity.
