The Kenyan government has taken proactive steps to support farmers in the upcoming long rains season by procuring 5.9 million bags of subsidized fertilizer. Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Rono confirmed the purchase, emphasizing that over two million bags have already been distributed to 179 National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots and cooperatives.
This distribution, which is ongoing, primarily focuses on counties that are in the planting phase, such as Bomet, Narok, Kisii, Nyamira, Bungoma, and parts of Kericho and Nakuru. With the rains already beginning, the government encourages farmers to take full advantage of the favorable weather and start planting promptly.
The Ministry of Agriculture has partnered with county governments to open additional last-mile stores, improving accessibility to fertilizer and other essential farming inputs, including seeds. The initiative aims to bridge any gaps in the supply chain and ensure that farmers in remote areas can access the necessary resources for a successful planting season.
Titus Maiyo, spokesperson for the NCPB, reassured farmers that the distribution process would be swift and efficient, highlighting that farmers with e-voucher messages could collect their fertilizers at designated depots. The government has guaranteed that there is enough fertilizer stock to meet the demand, and new supplies are continuously being replenished throughout the season.
The Kenya Meteorological Department (KMD) has also provided insights into the expected weather patterns, forecasting beneficial rainfall in the western part of the country. This is likely to enhance agricultural and livestock production, bolstering food security and improving nutrition levels. However, KMD Director David Gikungu cautioned about the risks of floods in certain areas, which could lead to soil erosion and crop degradation. Furthermore, the high humidity and warmer temperatures could fuel pest and disease outbreaks, threatening both crops and livestock.
Gikungu also raised concerns about the potential for livestock disease outbreaks in several regions, including the Central Rift Valley, Eastern, Northeastern, and coastal areas. He stressed the importance of proactive disease control and livestock management strategies, particularly in the Arid and Semi-Arid Lands, where pasture availability is limited.
As Kenya embarks on this critical planting season, the government’s efforts to secure fertilizer and address weather-related challenges are vital in ensuring a productive and resilient agricultural sector.
