In light of the ongoing rainy season, the Ministry of Agriculture has reiterated its commitment to tackling the problem of farmers’ limited fertilizer availability.

In a statement, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mutahi Kagwe confirmed that all logistical challenges have been addressed and that as from Monday, March 24, 2025, over 1 million bags of fertilizer will be distributed. 

While expressing enthusiasm over the increasing demand for the precious commodity, Kagwe noted that the ministry will be implementing better methodology of delivery to fast track the process and match the demand. 

“To fast track delivery, we are now using train wagons which have already departed the Mombasa port and are set to arrive at the Naivasha inland port by Sunday morning. Further to boost our supplies, additional 1,380 metric tons are enroute to the Mombasa port,” Kagwe said. 

The CS went on to express optimism that the increasing demands will translate to a number harvest that will boost food security in the nation.

He also issued an update that the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) stores have been full from December last year and already 2.6million bags have been distributed. 

“The high demand works in our favor, since it now creates space in our depots and swiftly suppliers have been instructed to resume deliveries and effective by next week stores will be fully replenished. 

“We are also aware that for the last two days, farmers who visited NCPB depots could not redeem their e-voucher messages to access subsidized fertilizer because of the logistical challenges to avail the farm input. Despite the setback, the issuance remained stable all along,” he added. 

Adding; 

“The spirit by our farmers should remain high by coming out in numbers to redeem their e-voucher messages occasioned by the onset of the rains which could have caused panic among those who would not want to be late to plant their crops.”

Further, the vocal CS reiterated the ministry’s unwavering commitment to ensuring that fertilizer shortage is addressed. 

In particular, he acknowledged that his ministry already held talks with contracted suppliers through the NCPB and agreed to increase supply of the farm input. 

He also said the ministry was ready to address any kind of concerns and that interventions were readily in place to tackle the issues as they arise. 

Kagwe, however, called for vigilance warning farmers of criminals preying on the high demands to sell fake or substandard fertilizer. 

“Farmers are encouraged to only purchase fertilizers from registered distributors and NCPB. The efforts put in place by the Anti counterfeit authority to crackdown such criminals are encouraged and hailed.”