Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua today held a consultative meeting with Principal Secretaries from Line Ministries, the Council of Governors’ Chairperson, and the National Cereals and Produce Board ahead of the rollout of the subsidized Fertilizer Plan by the Government.

The meeting happened as some 12 key counties lie in wait for the long-expected short rains that are hoped to begin towards the end of March. 

“The government is committed to making sure the cost of food goes down and for this to happen, we have to lower the cost of food production,” said the DP. “We are creating a seamless and cost-effective chain to ensure the farmer gets the fertilizer at an affordable price as directed by H.E President William Samoei Ruto.”

At least Sh3.55billion has been made available to subsidize 71,000 Mt (1.42 million x 50 kg bags) of fertilizer,for growing food crops during the short rains season.

This follows a directive made by H.E the President Dr. William Samoei Ruto during his inauguration Speech on Tuesday 13th September 2022 where he directed that 1.4million bags of fertilizer be availed to farmers at a maximum subsidized price ofSh3,500 per 50kg bag down from Sh6,500, as part of the Government’s interventions to address the high cost of living.

To ensure efficient delivery and effective control mechanisms are in place, the fertilizers will be availed through the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Depots and Sub-depots countrywide.