President William Ruto’s administration initiated a nationwide distribution of subsidized fertilizer on Wednesday, with the aim of providing 12 million bags to farmers. Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, speaking at the launch event in Nakuru, expressed the government’s intention to double the number of bags distributed compared to the previous year. Additionally, Linturi highlighted the distribution of 43 out of several hundred grain dryers recently acquired by the government, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to leveraging modern technology and advanced farming solutions to enhance food production and reduce post-harvest losses.
The ceremony in Nakuru, attended by Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara, Deputy Governor David Kones, local leaders, and state officials, saw the flagging off of subsidized fertilizer at the Kedowa NCPB Depot in Kericho County. Last year, the government’s distribution of 6 million bags of fertilizer aimed to bolster food security and stabilize prices. Linturi noted a significant increase in maize production to 80 million bags in 2023, attributing this growth to the use of subsidized fertilizer. He stressed the importance of farmers maximizing the fertilizer’s benefits to enhance yields, with plans underway for swift nationwide distribution ahead of the upcoming rainy season. Furthermore, the unveiling of five solar mobile grain dryers in various locations aims to mitigate post-harvest losses and ensure proper drying of grain harvests before storage, contributing to long-term food security efforts.
