Nyeri: The Agriculture Society of Kenya (ASK) has welcomed the decision by the Government to reduce the cost of fertilizer by Sh500 and to reduce the cost of certified maize seeds as a way of helping farmers recover from drought-related losses. The society’s National Chairman, John Kibera, says the move is a welcome relief for the thousands of maize farmers across the country who were disappointed by the depressed March-May rainfall. Speaking in Nyeri during an inspection tour of the Kabiru-ini show grounds, Kibera emphasized the subsidy will help farmers better prepare for the rains by securing much-needed inputs ahead of the planting season.
According to Kenya News Agency, the Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, Mutahi Kagwe, announced a further subsidy on fertilizer and certified maize seeds on Monday. This initiative is intended to lower the farmers’ cost of production, protect gains in agricultural output, and strengthen national food security amid drought and changing weather patterns. Under the new intervention, a 50-kilogram bag of subsidized fertilizer will retail at Sh2,000, down from Sh2,500. Regarding certified maize seeds, the government will meet 50 percent of the cost, reducing the price from Sh300 to Sh150 per kilogram. The maize seed subsidy targets about 40 million kilogrammes, translating to an estimated Sh6 billion in government support.
Kagwe mentioned additional investments in irrigation, water harvesting, and other climate-smart interventions to build farmers’ resilience and ensure the ability to plant the next crop despite drought conditions. Meanwhile, Kibera confirmed that preparations are complete for the 58th edition of the Central Kenya Agriculture show. He invited show-goers to learn from experts during the fair, which will be held from September 9 to September 12 under the theme Promoting Climate Smart Agriculture and Trade Initiatives for Sustainable Economic Growth.
According to ASK Chief Executive Officer Batram Muthoka, the theme aligns with ASK’s agenda to promote climate-smart practices in agriculture. Muthoka stated that the show aims to accelerate the adoption of climate-smart technologies, strengthening the agriculture sector’s growth. The show will feature exhibitors from the seed, livestock, and horticulture industries, showcasing resilient and adaptable breeds and seeds to address climate change challenges.
Central Kenya Show Chairman Patrick Munuhe announced that a total of 150 exhibitors from finance, agriculture, housing, hospitality, education, and manufacturing sectors are expected to participate in the show, with an anticipated attendance of close to 350,000 visitors. Munuhe assured that security measures are in place, the grounds are prepared, and demonstration plots are ready. He encouraged exhibitors who have not yet secured their slots to take advantage of the opportunity.
