CS: Subsidised fertiliser distribution resumes Monday

Agriculture and Livestock Development CS Mutahi Kagwe has assured farmers that distribution of subsidised fertiliser will resume on Monday, March 24, 2025.

In a statement on Saturday, Kagwe said the ministry had noted instances where farmers could not access the fertilizer at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) stores despite receiving the e-vouchers.

He said the government has at least 1 million bags of fertilizer ready for issuance.

“We are aware that for the last two days, farmers who visited NCPB depots could not redeem their e-voucher messages to access subsidised fertiliser because of the logistical challenges to avail the farm input," the CS said.

“Despite the setback, the issuance remained stable all along. However, the government would like to assure farmers that all the logistical challenges have been addressed and that as of Monday 24th, March 2025, we expect the issuance of over 1 million bags of fertilizer to stabilize and match the high demand." 

Kagwe noted that so far, at least 2.6 million bags have been distributed for planting ahead of the long rain season.

He also assured farmers that his ministry is working hard to ensure all farmers plant within the recommended time because the supply of fertilizer is sufficient.

The CS added that the government has asked contracted suppliers through the NCPB to increase the supply of fertiliser.

“To fast track delivery, we are now using train wagons which have already departed the Mombasa port and are set to arrive at the Naivasha inland port by Sunday morning. Further to boost our supplies, an additional 1,380 metric tons are enroute to the Mombasa port," he said.

"The spirit of our farmers should remain high by coming out in numbers to redeem their e-voucher messages occasioned by the onset of the rains which could have caused panic among those who would not want to be late to plant their crops." 

He insisted that Kenyan farmers remain the government’s priority.

The Agriculture CS further warned farmers against falling prey to conmen taking advantage of the demand for fertilizer.

He said the anti-counterfeit agency is on high alert and farmers should only get their fertiliser from the NCPB branches countrywide.

“We would also like to urge our farmers to beware of criminals taking advantage of the high demand of the farm input by illegally selling fake or substandard fertilizer. Farmers are encouraged to only purchase fertilizers from registered distributors and NCPB. The efforts put in place by the Anti-counterfeit authority to crackdown such criminals are encouraged and hailed.”