Farmers in Kajiado County have been urged to register for the government’s fertiliser subsidy programme.
Kajiado County Commissioner Jude Wasonga revealed that the registration for the second phase was ongoing in all sub-counties, and farmers should ensure that they register so as not to be left out.
Speaking in Kajiado, Wasonga said the registration exercise targets farmers who had not been included in the system during the first registration exercise.
The exercise is aimed at creating a digitised national farmer register that will help eliminate brokers and rogue traders who have been exploiting farmers by accessing and reselling subsidised fertilisers at higher prices.
The CC noted that only farmers who have been registered would receive the fertilisers, which will enable them to boost crop production in the coming short rains.
“We are approaching the rainy season, and I want to urge all farmers to register for the subsidised fertiliser for use during the planting season. Only registered farmers will be able to access the subsidised fertilisers,” he said.
The CC emphasised the government’s commitment to improving food security by enabling farmers to access affordable farm inputs, thus reducing the cost of production and increasing agricultural productivity.
Over 5 million farmers countrywide are currently registered for the fertiliser subsidy programme and have been able to access fertilisers at a subsidised price of Sh. 3,500 per 50kg bag, down from Sh. 6,500.
On August 2, 2023, President William Ruto launched the second phase of the fertiliser subsidy programme that reduces the price of the commodity for farmers countrywide from Sh3,500 to Sh2,500.
“For the coming short rains, the government has embarked on the distribution of fertiliser to farmers throughout the country, with a view to ultimately delivering 100,000 MT, or 2 million 50kg bags, at a subsidised cost of Sh2,500,” he stated.
The President further announced the launch of the second phase of the countrywide digital farmer registration exercise and a last-mile partnership with county governments.
He encouraged farmers across the country to redouble the use of the subsidised fertilisers distributed by the government at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) in order to increase production, which will eventually lower the high cost of living.
So far, 3 million bags of subsidised fertiliser have been supplied to farmers since the government launched the first phase of the fertiliser subsidy programme.
By Rop Janet
