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The government has started importing more than four million bags of fertiliser to support the upcoming planting season early next year, officials have said.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Kiprono Rono confirmed that 750,000 bags have already arrived, with another similar shipment expected next week.
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Speaking at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot in Eldoret while receiving part of the consignment, Rono said distribution is already underway in preparation for planting.
“We want to reassure farmers that the government is fully prepared for next year and we do not anticipate any disruptions,” he said.
Rono added that all the required fertiliser is expected to be in the country by the end of January.
He noted that the supplies will be distributed to all 32 NCPB depots in collaboration with county governments to ensure nationwide access for farmers.
By Sunday, more than 200,000 bags were already stocked at the Eldoret depot.
The PS said the fertiliser meets quality standards approved by the Kenya Bureau of Standards, adding that timely delivery is key to sustaining high maize and other crop production.
He also confirmed that e-vouchers enabling farmers to purchase subsidised fertiliser from NCPB depots have already been processed.
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Beyond fertiliser, Rono said the government is undertaking reforms in other agricultural sectors, including tea, coffee and sugarcane.
In the sugar industry, he noted that over Sh1.5 billion owed to farmers will be paid soon, while challenges identified through an audit in the tea sector are also being addressed.
NCPB North Rift Manager Gilbert Rotich, who accompanied Rono, said the board is fully prepared to manage fertiliser distribution.
Rotich added that staff will work in shifts during the Christmas period to receive fertiliser shipments arriving from Mombasa.
“We have put arrangements in place to ensure fertiliser is received as soon as it arrives,” he said.
He also noted that some farmers, particularly large-scale producers, have already begun buying fertiliser ahead of the new planting season.
“As NCPB, we will make sure fertiliser reaches farmers through their nearest depots,” Rotich said.
