Farmers across the country have been assured of adequate fertilizer supply despite concerns that stocked fertilizers at national cereal boards may not fully meet the high demand. National Fertilizer Technical Committee Chairman Haron Khator has confirmed that at least one million bags of fertilizer have already been released from the Mombasa Port for distribution to various regions. Additionally, the government has placed an order for an extra 1.5 million metric tons to sustain agricultural activities throughout the planting season.
Speaking during an inspection tour of the Thika National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) stores in Kiambu County, Khator, who also serves as the Administration Secretary in the State Department for Agriculture, clarified that capping the number of subsidized fertilizer bags per farmer is a strategic measure to enhance equitable distribution and curb exploitation by cartels. “Limiting the number of bags purchased at the cereal board is not an indicator of a fertilizer shortage but rather a measure to streamline distribution. We have adequate stocks to sustain us through the next planting season,” he stated.
While acknowledging that the distribution process has been slower than anticipated due to overwhelming demand, Khator reassured farmers that steps are being taken to expedite the process. The NCPB has hired additional casual staff at distribution centers to ensure faster service. “We understand that farmers have raised concerns about delays in fertilizer distribution. However, NCPB staff are sometimes overwhelmed by the large number of farmers seeking fertilizer. We have increased manpower and hope this will resolve the issue,” he said.
To further safeguard farmers, Khator emphasized that NCPB is collaborating with other agencies to prevent counterfeit fertilizer from infiltrating the market. He urged farmers not to panic over variations in the color of fertilizers, as new blends tailored for specific crops and soil conditions are continuously being developed. “Fertilizer undergoes thorough testing and analysis to ensure only high-quality products reach farmers. We also urge farmers to report any suspected counterfeit fertilizer. Do not be alarmed by color differences, as new blends are designed for specific crops and functions,” he explained.
Farmers, led by Patrick Njui, expressed appreciation for the subsidized fertilizer program, which offers fertilizer at an affordable price of Sh2,500 per 50-kilogram bag. However, many voiced frustrations over prolonged waiting periods and receiving fewer bags than expected. “We urge NCPB to expedite the distribution process. Some of us have been camping here for days without success. These delays have disrupted our planting preparations, and we hope the system will be more efficient in future planting seasons,” Njui said.
Despite these challenges, farmers remain hopeful that the government’s intervention will enhance agricultural productivity. Many have reported improved yields since the introduction of subsidized fertilizer and are optimistic that timely distribution will further boost their harvests. As the long rains continue, stakeholders in the agricultural sector are working towards ensuring seamless access to essential farming inputs to maximize food production and national food security.