Govt to release 1 million more fertiliser bags as demand surges

Business
By David Njaaga | Mar 22, 2025
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe. [File, Standard]

The Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development says it has resolved logistical challenges affecting fertiliser distribution and will release 1 million more bags from Monday, March 24, to meet high farmer demand.

In a statement on Saturday, March 22, Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/national/article/2001514311/cs-kagwe-no-subsidised-fertiliser-for-farmers-before-soil-testing?utm_cmp_rs=amp-next-page#:~:text=Farmers%20will%20get%20subsidised%20fertiliser,identify%20nutrient%20deficiencies%20or%20imbalances."> 2.6 million bags of subsidised fertiliser have already been distributed "The high demand is a positive indicator, as it ensures our National Cereals and Produce Board depots remain active. Suppliers have been instructed to resume deliveries, and all stores will be replenished by next week," said Kagwe.

He noted that train wagons carrying additional fertiliser had left Mombasa and would arrive at the Naivasha inland port by Sunday morning.

Another 1,380 metric tonnes of fertiliser are en route to the Mombasa port.

For two days, some farmers were unable to redeem e-voucher messages to access subsidised fertiliser due to supply delays. However, Kagwe assured that distribution would stabilise from Monday.

"We are working overnight to ensure all farmers receive fertiliser in time for planting," said Kagwe.

 "The rains may have caused panic, but the supply is sufficient."

The ministry warned farmers against purchasing fertiliser from unregistered sellers, citing a rise in counterfeit products.

It urged them to buy only from National Cereals and Produce Board depots and registered distributors.

Kagwe said the government remains committed to ensuring farmers get the support they need, adding that contracted suppliers have been directed to increase deliveries to sustain availability.

"Farmers are our priority. We will continue to address concerns and ensure they have what they need to succeed," he said.

Share this story
Traders feel pinch of Sudan tea export ban
Sudan’s military regime banned Kenyan tea and coffee from its territory in protest against the government's move to host the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Nairobi.
Smaller lenders lead in cheap loans as costs fall marginally
Citibank Kenya tops list, with its loans averaging 12.78 per cent in February this year, down from 18.47 per cent in September 2024.Others, like KCB Group, however, saw their rates go up.
Auto dealer Caetano banks on Chinese brand to boost locally assembled vehicles
Caetano will sell the locally assembled JMC Vigus pickups, utilizing Chinese-made Completely Knocked Down (CKD) kits. The deal is expected to create jobs, facilitate skill development.
How Kenyan youth can get into agriculture
Kenya currently sources 20-30 per cent of its staple foods externally, including 80-90 per cent of wheat, 80 per cent of rice, and 95 per cent of edible oil.
Equity bank to pay record dividend after Sh46.5 billion profit surge
Equity Group has increased its dividend payout to a new record, rewarding shareholders with a larger return following a significant profit recovery.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS