Subsidised fertiliser shortage hits NCPB depots in North Rift

Workers loading subsidized fertilizer at the NCPB depot in Eldoret 

A shortage of subsidised fertiliser has hit NCPB depots in the North Rift, sparking protests from farmers in the region.

Long queues are still being witnessed at the depots, where farmers are collecting fertiliser for the ongoing planting season, which is at its peak.

Farmers complain that the shortage will affect their farm activities during this critical period. Long queues have been observed at depots in Eldoret, Kitale and Elgeyo Marakwet, among other areas.

A representative of farmers in Trans Nzoia, John Kimeto, said they were particularly annoyed by the shortage of the OCP variety of fertiliser, which most farmers prefer for maize.

Many farmers have been forced to use other varieties. “We believed the government had prepared adequately and never expected the shortages we are now witnessing,” Kimeto said.

Another farmers’ representative in Uasin Gishu, Benson Kiplimo, said they had been promised that the OCP variety would be supplied, but it was taking time to arrive.

“We had hoped to get OCP, which we used last year and obtained good harvests, but planting time is now running out and we have to use other varieties,” he said.

The OCP variety is manufactured in Morocco and blended to suit soil types in specific regions and for specific crops.

Agriculture PS Kiprono Rono said additional fertiliser was on the way to NCPB depots from Mombasa. “We are working to ensure there are adequate supplies of fertiliser this week,” he said.

NCPB North Rift manager Gilbert Rotich said demand for fertiliser was high because the planting season is at its peak.

“So far, farmers have been able to get the fertiliser they need, and the government is ensuring all varieties are available despite shortages,” Rotich said.

Farmers have so far bought more than five million bags of subsidised fertiliser for the current maize planting season.

Rono, who has been visiting the region, said the uptake of fertiliser is currently high, with queues at depots where many farmers are collecting supplies for planting.

He added that the government had planned to import more than 12.5 million bags for planting across the country, much of which has already arrived.

With the high uptake of subsidised fertiliser, there is space at the depots, allowing the government to bring in more supplies.

The PS said the current uptake of subsidised fertiliser is the highest ever and assured farmers that the government is prepared to meet their demand.

“We also assure farmers that the fertiliser is certified as high quality, and all loopholes for distributing fake fertiliser have been sealed,” Rono said.

He added that security teams are on high alert to prevent any distribution of fake fertiliser. Those caught attempting this in Eldoret a month ago were arrested and taken to court.

The PS also announced that Sh2 billion had been provided to the Kenya Seed Company to help subsidise the cost of seeds needed by farmers.

“We have a hitch regarding seed prices, but we are working with the company to review the prices by next week,” Rono said.

He said the government and county authorities would offer all necessary support to farmers to ensure the planting season proceeds smoothly.