Kericho: Farmers across Kericho County can now access fertiliser under the government’s National Fertiliser Subsidy Programme (NFSP) more conveniently after the County Government, through the Department of Agriculture, operationalised a network of satellite stores to strengthen last-mile delivery of farm inputs and boost agricultural productivity across the region.
According to Kenya News Agency, the County Government has established new stores at Litein in Bureti, Roret in Litein, Kabianga Tea Farm in Belgut, Kunyak in Kipkelion West, and Chepseon in Kipkelion East to strengthen supply coverage and bring services closer to farming communities.
Kericho County Chief Officer in the Department of Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, Betsy Chebet, stated that the new outlets complement the existing National Cereals and Produce Board stores located in Kericho Town, Kipkelion, Kedowa, and Fortenan. This expansion significantly improves the county’s fertiliser distribution network and enhances efficiency in the supply chain.
Chebet disclosed that additional centres, including Kipsamungut Polytechnic, Soin ATC, Chesinende, and Kapcheplanga, are set to receive fertiliser stocks in the coming weeks. This is part of a phased rollout plan to ensure every ward benefits from the programme.
The Chief Officer further explained that the initiative is part of the county’s broader strategy to cut transport costs for farmers, reduce delays in accessing inputs, and ensure timely fertiliser distribution ahead of the main planting season. This programme aims to bring services closer to farmers, ensuring that no one is left behind in accessing subsidized fertilizer as the planting season approaches.
Chebet revealed that Kericho County currently has over 160,000 registered farmers through the e-voucher system. Fertilizer uptake is expected to be significantly high this year due to increased awareness, improved logistics, and the county’s deliberate investment in farmer support programmes.
The National Fertiliser Subsidy Programme (NFSP) is a flagship intervention aimed at making fertiliser affordable and accessible to smallholder farmers while boosting national food production. The programme is implemented through the National Cereals and Produce Board in partnership with county governments, with registered farmers receiving digital e-vouchers to purchase subsidised fertiliser currently retailing at about Sh2,500 per 50-kilogram bag.
