The Kenyan government, through the State Department of Agriculture, has flagged off a consignment of 20,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser from the Port of Mombasa, marking a significant step towards enhancing food security and agricultural productivity as the long rainy season approaches. An additional 1,300 metric tonnes is expected to arrive before the planting season concludes, ensuring farmers nationwide have timely access to essential inputs.
Speaking at the Port of Mombasa, Harun Khator, the Secretary of Administration for the State Department of Agriculture, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting farmers through continued collaboration with the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB). He highlighted that the fertiliser is already being transported by train wagons to Naivasha, where trucks are on standby to distribute it further to key agricultural regions such as Uasin Gishu, Bomet, and Nakuru. “This timely distribution will enable farmers to receive fertilisers in time for the long rains season,” Khator stated.
Khator urged farmers to take full advantage of the initiative, emphasising the government’s dedication to boosting agricultural productivity. “We are pleased to see the enthusiasm among farmers in receiving this fertiliser, and as a government, we remain dedicated to ensuring it reaches them on time. Our goal is to enhance farm yields and strengthen food security across the country,” he reiterated.
The government’s efforts are already yielding positive results, with current statistics indicating an increase in maize and sugar production. This boost in output has contributed to stabilising the prices of these essential commodities, ensuring affordability for consumers while supporting farmers’ livelihoods.
The distribution process is being guided by data from the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management Information System (KIAMIS), which ensures efficient allocation to registered farmers. Khator explained that the initial consignment has already been dispatched to NCPB depots and last-mile distribution points, ready for collection. He also noted that KIAMIS operates as a continuous registration system, allowing more farmers to enrol daily. “This growing registration is a positive sign that farmers trust the government’s policies and are confident in receiving the subsidised fertiliser on time,” Khator added.
This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to transforming the agricultural sector, improving food security, and supporting farmers’ livelihoods across the country.
