Over 1.26 million farmers across the country to benefit KSh18 billion fertiliser subsidy programme
The Government has committed KSh18 billion towards the 2026/2027 National Fertiliser Subsidy Programme in a renewed push to strengthen food and nutrition security, boost agricultural productivity and build climate-resilient food systems.
The investment, which targets 1.26 million farmers across the country, was highlighted during the 2026 World Food Day national celebrations held on Thursday at the Tandare Integrated Agriculture Demonstration Centre in Laikipia County, under the theme “Innovate Today. Nourish Tomorrow.”
Speaking during the celebrations, Agriculture Secretary James Wanjohi, who represented Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to transforming food systems, increasing domestic agricultural production and ensuring every Kenyan has access to sufficient, safe and nutritious food.
Wanjohi said the latest fertiliser subsidy allocation builds on the Government’s ongoing efforts to make farm inputs more affordable, noting that more than 38 million bags of fertiliser have been subsidised since 2022.
He said the programme had significantly reduced the cost of fertiliser from approximately KSh7,500 to KSh2,000 per bag, easing the financial burden on farmers and encouraging increased agricultural production.
The Agriculture Secretary also highlighted the Government’s 50 per cent subsidy on certified maize seed, which has brought the price down from KSh300 to KSh150 per kilogramme.
He noted that the intervention was aimed at encouraging farmers to plant certified seed, improve crop yields and cushion them against rising production costs.
Wanjohi emphasised that Kenya’s food security agenda extends beyond affordable farm inputs, incorporating expanded irrigation infrastructure, improved livestock breeds, agricultural research, digital innovation, stronger agricultural markets and climate-resilient farming practices.
On livestock development, he cited the ongoing nationwide vaccination campaign targeting 22 million cattle, 23 million sheep and 35 million goats.
The campaign, he said, is part of broader efforts to strengthen animal health, improve livestock productivity and safeguard the livelihoods of pastoral and livestock-dependent communities.
He further commended the strong working relationship between the National Government and the Laikipia County Government, observing that effective collaboration between the two levels of government remains essential to the successful implementation of agricultural programmes.
The national celebrations brought together Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu, Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) Representative Farayi Zimudzi, International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Country Director Matteo Marchisio, farmers, development partners and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector.
The event provided a platform for stakeholders to reflect on the importance of innovation, investment and partnerships in addressing food insecurity and strengthening the resilience of Kenya’s agricultural sector.
During the celebrations, Wanjohi also presided over the recognition and awarding of outstanding farmers who had excelled in various agricultural categories.
The awards recognised farmers’ contributions to agricultural productivity and national food security, while highlighting the importance of innovation and good agricultural practices in building sustainable food systems.
As Kenya continues to confront the effects of climate change, rising production costs and growing food demands, the Government’s increased investment in agricultural inputs, livestock development and climate-smart technologies is expected to play a critical role in strengthening domestic food production and improving the livelihoods of farming communities.