The government has announced providing 12.5 million bags of subsidised fertiliser to farmers in all 1,450 wards across the country this year for use during the long and short rain seasons.

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary (CS) Mithika Linturi, said the subsidised fertiliser would be in the 50-kg bag.

In regards to the upcoming Second Africa Fertiliser and Soil Health (AFSH) Summit scheduled for May 7th to 9th this year a the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Linturi said the government has listened to her land and what the soil needs in various regions.

“We are listening to our land here in Kenya and are very aware that the solution to our soil health challenges is not a one-size-fits-all approach, but rather listening to what the soil needs in various regions,” stated the CS.

The Summit, themed ‘Listen to the Land,’ is being organized by the government and the African Union in collaboration with the University of Nairobi.

Further, he said the government is working with farmers, agronomists, governments, development partners, civil society, and all stakeholders towards adopting regenerative practices, policies, and approaches that would improve the long-term value of land.

The CS said the Kenyan National Fertiliser Subsidy Programme has emerged as a pivotal policy in the government’s efforts to expand food production and mitigate soaring food prices.

“With subsidy outlay of Kes 3.55 billion, the programme is intended to bolster Kenya’s agricultural sector and help to stabilise food prices,” said Linturi.

To date, the government has distributed 3.6 million 50 kg bags to farmers for use this year during the long rainy season.