President William Ruto in Taita Taveta county on August 23, 2026./PCS

President William Ruto has announced a further reduction in the price of subsidised fertiliser, with the cost of a 50-kilogramme bag set to fall from Sh2,500 to Sh2,000.

The President said the new price will take effect within the next two weeks as the government moves to lower the cost of farm inputs and encourage farmers to increase food production.

Ruto made the announcement on Sunday, August 23, during a church service at A.I.C. Makutano in Taita Taveta County.

He also announced a 50 per cent subsidy on maize seeds as part of measures aimed at supporting farmers ahead of the next planting season.

“I am making an announcement to all our farmers that from next month, in the next two weeks, we are going to subsidise maize seeds by 50% and reduce the cost of fertiliser by another 500 shillings. So that the bag that was selling at 2,500 is going to be sold at 2,000 from the next two weeks,” Ruto said.

The President said the reduced fertiliser price should apply across the country, adding that his administration had set aside funds to support the programme.

He linked the move to the government’s efforts to improve food security by making agricultural inputs more affordable.

Ruto urged farmers to take advantage of the expected rains and increase food production.

“I am urging our farmers to use the rain that is coming so that we can grow more food and make sure that we stabilise our food security in the Republic of Kenya. So let's continue with that, and let's do it together,” he said.

The latest reduction comes after the government previously lowered the price of a 50-kilogramme bag of subsidised fertiliser from more than Sh6,000 to Sh7,500 to Sh2,500.

The government has maintained that reducing input costs will help farmers increase production while easing the financial burden associated with farming.

The announcement comes as the country prepares for the October rains, which are expected to influence planting and food production in several parts of the country.

The government is also taking measures to prepare for possible food shortages. The Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries has announced plans to import 25 million 90-kilogramme bags of maize to boost national stocks.

The planned imports follow concerns over reduced maize production after an earlier dry spell and the need to ensure adequate food supplies.

At the same time, weather forecasts have raised concerns over the possibility of above-average rains from October, which could increase the risk of flooding in some parts of the country.

The government is therefore seeking to balance efforts to increase food production with preparations for weather-related disruptions that could affect farmers and livestock keepers.