Nakuru: The County Government of Nakuru has announced the release of more than two million bags of subsidized fertilizer in preparation for the 2025 planting season. Governor Susan Kihika stated that the distribution will only be carried out through National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots within the County.
According to Kenya News Agency, there is sufficient stock of the subsidized fertilizer at NCPB depots in Nakuru Town, Olenguruone, Solai, Elburgon, Naivasha, and Subukia. The governor encouraged farmers to collect the fertilizers as the County plans to roll out more satellite distribution stores across the area. The collaboration between the National and County governments has been significant in enhancing the subsidy program over the past two years, allowing farmers to benefit from subsidized farm inputs.
Previously, a 50-kilogram bag of fertilizer retailed for around Sh 6,500, but under the subsidy program, farmers can purchase it for Sh 2,500, which has significantly eased their financial burden. Ms. Kihika highlighted that the subsidy program has helped stabilize food prices by boosting local production, resulting in a reduction in food imports from neighboring countries.
The Governor reiterated her commitment to collaborating with stakeholders to improve farmers’ access to farm inputs and financial assistance. She acknowledged that the fertilizer subsidy was one of the best-performing programs under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), which has been crucial in helping the country achieve its current food security status.
To ensure farmers achieve maximum harvests, Ms. Kihika mentioned that the fertilizer being distributed is soil and crop-specific, catering to crops like maize, potatoes, beans, sunflowers, and indigenous vegetables. She explained that the different fertilizer formulations align with the Kenya Kwanza agenda, which aims to shield farmers from the high cost of fertilizer and increase agricultural productivity.
Ms. Kihika assured farmers of the quality of the fertilizers and encouraged them to utilize the subsidy program to enhance productivity. The county government has conducted numerous soil tests to determine the type and composition of fertilizer needed, confirming that the subsidized fertilizer is safe for use in the region.
The governor issued a stern warning to unscrupulous business dealers planning to sell the government’s subsidized fertilizer to farmers, stating that such individuals would face arrest and charges. Residents expressed optimism that the fertilizer subsidy program would lead to high yields this season and praised the government for alleviating the high cost of production.