President William Ruto has announced plans to cut the price of maize seeds by half from September 2026 as the government moves to boost food production and support farmers. Speaking during a church service at AIC Makutano in Taita Taveta County, Ruto said the price of a bag of maize seed will drop from the current Ksh.300 to Ksh.150.
Government to Lower Fertilizer Prices
The President also announced a Ksh.500 subsidy on fertilizer, reducing the price of a 50kg bag from Ksh.2,500 to Ksh.2,000. Ruto urged farmers across the country to take advantage of the expected short rains and increase maize production following poor harvests attributed to inadequate rainfall during the previous season. He said the measures are intended to lower farming costs and strengthen Kenya’s food security.
Ksh.18 Billion School Capitation Disbursed
Ruto further announced that the government has released Ksh.18 billion in school capitation ahead of schools reopening. The President dismissed claims by his political opponents that the funds had not been released, accusing them of spreading misinformation.
New University Funding Model
The Head of State also said the proposed university and TVET funding model would allow qualified students to pursue their preferred courses if Parliament approves the changes. Under the proposed system, Ruto said the government would finance courses for which students qualify, reducing the risk of learners abandoning their preferred programmes because their parents or guardians cannot afford the fees.
Government Plans to Hire More Teachers
Ruto said the government has recruited about 100,000 teachers over the past four years as part of efforts to address staffing shortages in schools. He added that more than 20,000 additional teachers are expected to be hired by next year to further improve the teacher-to-student ratio.
The President said the measures targeting agriculture, education and employment are part of the government’s broader efforts to improve livelihoods and strengthen essential public services.
