Scarcity of subsidized fertilizer sparks concern among Kenyan farmers

Reports indicate that farmers have been unable to procure subsidized fertilizer from National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots nationwide.

Jonathan Melly, a maize farmer from Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, expressed his concerns about the scarcity of subsidized fertilizer, crucial for his planting season preparations.

"Nilikua natarajia kupanda mahindi kwa dry planting lakini kufikia sahii sijapata mbolea nimeenda cereal kupanga laini niko number 10000," he lamented. 

Melly, who relies on government-subsidized fertilizer to ease the financial burden of farming, fears he may have to purchase it at market prices, adversely affecting his profitability. 

"Gharama ya kuzalisha gunia moja ya mahindi ya kilo 90 ni shilingi 3300 na sahi tunauza 2800 na mwaka ujao serikali inataka tax hapo sasa mkulima atapata hasara sana," he explained.

The scarcity of subsidized fertilizer has left many farmers like Melly grappling with the high cost of production. 

At various NCPB depots, farmers have been queuing for hours, and in some instances, days, hoping to secure the much-needed input. 

Samuel Kibebe, a farmer from Karatina, shared his frustration, "Nimekuja hapa kuanzia Thursday na sijapata mbolea hata moja."

Farmers have expressed disappointment with the NCPB's handling of the situation. Despite being summoned to collect subsidized fertilizer, many have been left empty-handed. 

"Nimekuja sasa kumi na mbili, na saa hii tunaelekea saa nane wanamnchi, kitu nataka kujua kama hii fertliser na ni ya kununua, tunaambia 2300 lakini hatupai," voiced one farmer.

Calls for government intervention have intensified, with farmers urging President and Deputy President to address the issue. 

"President and deputy wake washughulikie hii maneno pamoja na huyu waziri wa agriculture pia," demanded another farmer.

Responding to farmers' concerns, Deputy President William Ruto assured them of access to subsidized fertilizer. 

"Wakulima wote wajiandikishe ndio wapate hiyo fertiliser," he affirmed.

Over five million farmers have already registered for the government's subsidized fertilizer program. 

The government has previously committed to providing 7.5 million bags of fertilizer for the long rains planting season. 

Farmers remain hopeful that these essential inputs will be made available soon, enabling them to take advantage of the rains and kickstart their planting season.