Out of the 4.3 million farmers, only 1,431 have accessed subsidised fertilizer

Farmers thronged various National Cereals and Produce depots to purchase a 50kg fertiliser bag at half the price but the exercise has so far been characterised by a low uptake.

Out of the 4.3 million registered farmers, only 1,431 have accessed the subsidised input.

"Because of little information, some farmers may not be aware that fertilisers have arrived in their store. That is why we have called this presser, to tell Kenyans that fertilisers are now available. We are going to use various media avenues to tell Kenyans that fertilisers are now there," Crops Development PS Kello Harsama said in a statement. 

The government intends to subsidise 500,000 metric tonnes of various types of fertiliser for the 2023 long rain season from March this year.

Out of this, 300,000 metric tonnes represent planting fertiliser while the rest is top dressing fertiliser. The amount in total will form ten million-50 kilogram bags.

Maize farmers form a bulk of the registered farmers at 1.08 million. So far, farmers growing this staple have received 287,000 bags of subsidised fertiliser, which is roughly 14,300 metric tonnes.

"The basis is that we are addressing cost of maize production which has a huge impact on the cost of food for Kenyans. So if yields for maize are improved and fertiliser availed to farmers in good time, they will be able to prepare their land to maximum acreage, so that we increase yields, which will eventually address issue of costs," Cabinet Affairs PS Julius Korir, Principal Secretary.

Farmers in Narok, Nakuru, Migori, Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Nandi, Kericho, Bomet, Kakamega, Bungoma and Elgeyo Marakwet counties, have purchased the input at the discounted price.

On Monday this week, farmers complained of delays and high transport costs, which they believe renders the subsidy program counterproductive.