Linturi: State to work with counties to distribute fertiliser

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has said that the government will work with county governments to distribute subsidised fertiliser.

The CS said the two levels of government will partner to establish alternative distribution centres to achieve equitable distribution of subsidised fertiliser.

Linturi said on Friday that the move will help more farmers access fertiliser and eliminate the risk of middlemen.

The CS said spoke when he visited the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot in Kitale, Trans Nzoia.

Thousands of farmers from the county have so far collected their fertiliser.

“This effort will be boosted by sustained collaboration between the two levels of government for seamless distribution," Linturi said.

So far, a total of 1,104,774-50kg bags of subsidised fertiliser have been redeemed via the E-voucher system.

The ministry has also sourced semi-organic fertiliser from Tanzania to enhance the program.

For easy access, farmers are encouraged to register for e-subsidy to reach more individuals, and upon registration, an e-voucher is generated for an NCPB or KNTC store.

The attendant validates the e-voucher before fertiliser is handed over to the farmer upon payment.

The CS commended Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya for allocating Sh54 million to purchase seeds for farmers and for committing to hire 50 agricultural extension officers.

The officers will train farmers on agricultural best practices.

Natembeya said that his county government will offer transportation services of subsidised fertiliser for farmers.

“I commit to assisting in fertiliser distribution across Trans Nzoia to ensure all farmers will benefit from the subsidy,” Natambeya said.

Linturi also highlighted that the government, in collaboration with partners, is working to provide fertiliser suitable for different soil needs to increase productivity.

"The ministry remains committed to supplying over 300,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser during the long rains to enhance crop yields and productivity," he said.

Also present were Deputy Governor Philomena Kapkor, Senator Allan Chesang and Agriculture CAS Jackson Kiptanui.

NCPB MD Joseph Kimote and Kenya Seed Company MD Fred Oloibe were among the other leaders present.

The CS then paid a courtesy call to Uasin Gishu Governor Jonathan Bii before proceeding to Eldoret NCPB.

The move comes after the CS assured MPs that the national government is keen to work with governors to achieve more food security in Kenya.