President William Ruto has announced a further reduction in the cost of farm inputs, with a 50kg bag of subsidised fertilizer set to retail at KSh2,000, down from KSh2,500, while a 2kg packet of maize seeds will cost KSh150 from November 2026. The President made the announcement on Sunday, October 11, during a church service at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Likuyani, Kakamega County, as the government seeks to support farmers affected by drought and boost food production. The price reduction is intended to lower farming costs and encourage farmers to prepare for the upcoming planting season despite the challenges caused by inadequate rainfall.
Government Allocates KSh5 Billion to Support Farmers
President Ruto said the government had set aside KSh5 billion to subsidise maize seeds as part of efforts to help farmers resume production and strengthen the country’s food security. He explained that reducing the cost of agricultural inputs would make it easier for farmers to access seeds and fertilizer, particularly those who had suffered losses due to drought.
The initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to support agricultural production by reducing the financial burden on farmers. Ruto urged farmers to take advantage of the subsidised inputs to increase food production and help prevent shortages across the country.
Fertilizer Price Drops From KSh2,500 to KSh2,000
Under the new pricing arrangement, farmers will purchase a 50kg bag of subsidised fertilizer at KSh2,000, representing a KSh500 reduction from the previous price of KSh2,500. The lower price is expected to reduce production expenses for farmers who depend on fertilizer to improve crop growth and yields.
The government has been implementing fertilizer subsidy programmes to make agricultural inputs more affordable and encourage farmers to expand production. By lowering fertilizer costs, the administration aims to support farmers in recovering from drought-related losses and preparing their farms for the next planting season.
Maize Seed Prices Set at KSh150
The President also announced that a 2kg packet of maize seeds would be available at KSh150 from November 2026. The reduction is part of the government’s plan to subsidise certified maize seeds and improve farmers’ access to quality planting materials.
Affordable seeds are expected to help farmers who experienced crop failure due to poor rainfall return to production without facing the full cost of purchasing new inputs. The government says the interventions are aimed at protecting local food production and reducing the risk of food shortages.
Government Seeks to Strengthen Food Security
The latest announcement comes as Kenya continues to address the effects of drought on agricultural production in several parts of the country. Poor rainfall has affected crop performance, placing pressure on farmers who depend on seasonal rains for planting and harvesting.
The government has maintained that lowering the cost of farm inputs is among the measures needed to help farmers recover and increase domestic food supplies. The success of the initiative will depend partly on the availability of subsidised fertilizer and seeds, their distribution to farmers, and favourable weather conditions during the planting season. Through the subsidy programme, the government hopes to reduce farming costs, encourage increased agricultural production and strengthen Kenya’s food security.
