Nakuru: In a significant boost to local agriculture, the Nakuru County Government today unveiled nine new distribution centres for subsidized fertilizer, aiming to ease access for farmers during the critical planting season. This initiative comes in response to growing concerns over timely fertilizer availability and escalating input costs, which have posed significant challenges to the region's agricultural productivity.
According to Kenya News Agency, the County Executive Member for Agriculture Leonard Bor said the newly established distribution points, strategically located across various sub-counties, were expected to significantly reduce the travel distances and waiting time for farmers seeking subsidized fertilizer. Each location is stocked with 600 bags of fertilizer, ensuring a substantial supply to meet local demand.
The new stores include Rongai Social Hall (Rongai Subcounty), IEBC Rongai Social Hall (Rongai Subcounty), Kabazi Social Hall (Subukia Subcounty), Kiambogo Social Hall (Gilgil Subcounty), Kamara Store (Kuresoi North Subcounty), Keringet Store (Kuresoi South Subcounty), Njoro Farmers' Cooperative (Njoro Subcounty), Ndabibi Milk Cooling Plant Store (Naivasha Subcounty), Sachoran CDF Hall (Kuresoi North Subcounty), and Dundori Social Hall (Bahati Subcounty).
Bor noted that these additions supplement the previously operational Molo PPCK Store in Molo Subcounty and the Kiptororo satellite store in Kuresoi North Subcounty. The county government's move is designed to complement the existing network of six National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots, which have traditionally served as the primary distribution points. These depots are located at Nakuru NCPB Main Depot (Nakuru Town), Solai NCPB Store (Subukia Subcounty), Naivasha NCPB Store (Naivasha Subcounty), Subukia NCPB Store (Subukia Subcounty), Olenguruone NCPB Store (Kuresoi South), and Elburgon NCPB Store (Molo Subcounty).
However, Bor stated that the sheer volume of farmers and the vastness of Nakuru County necessitated the establishment of additional satellite stores to ensure efficient and equitable distribution. 'This initiative underscores our commitment to supporting our farmers and ensuring they have access to essential inputs during this crucial planting season. By decentralizing the distribution process, we are minimizing logistical challenges and enabling farmers to focus on their agricultural activities,' says Bor.
Furthermore, he observed that the subsidized fertilizer programme was a key component of the county's agricultural development strategy, aimed at boosting crop yields, improving food security, and enhancing the livelihoods of local farmers, assuring them of a smooth and transparent distribution process.
Local farmers have welcomed the move, expressing optimism that the increased accessibility to subsidized fertilizer will significantly improve their crop production. 'This is a timely intervention. The new distribution centers will save us time and money, and we are grateful to the county government for addressing our concerns,' said Mr. John Koech, a farmer from Kuresoi North.
The County Government has also announced plans to monitor the distribution process closely to prevent any irregularities and ensure that the fertilizer reaches the intended beneficiaries. They have also urged farmers to take advantage of the opportunity and plant as the long rainy season continues.