Gov't Slashes Fertilizer Price, Cuts Maize Seed Cost by Half

The Ministry of Agriculture has announced a further reduction in the price of subsidized fertilizer and certified maize seed.

In a statement on Monday, August 24, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said farmers will now purchase a 50kg bag of subsidized fertilizer at Ksh2,000, down from Ksh2,500. 

The government will also meet 50 per cent of the cost of certified maize seed, cutting the farmer’s price from Ksh300 to Ksh150 per kilogramme.

According to Kagwe, the reduction means a 2kg pack of maize seed will now cost Ksh300 instead of Ksh600, while a 10kg pack will retail at Ksh1,500, down from Ksh3,000. A 25kg pack will cost Ksh3,750 instead of Ksh7,500.

"The maize seed intervention targets approximately 40 million kilogrammes, translating to an estimated KSh 6 billion in Government subsidy," the statement read in part.

Kagwe said farmers will be able to access the subsidized fertilizer and maize seed through distribution channels designated by the Government as the intervention is rolled out.

"Farmers will access the subsidized fertilizer and maize seed through Government-designated distribution channels," the statement added.

This comes two weeks after the government increased the producer price for locally grown wheat for the 2026 season, raising it to Ksh5,100 per 90-kilogram bag.

The new price represents an increase from last year's Ksh4,750 per bag and is expected to benefit more than 2,000 wheat farmers across Narok, Nakuru, Meru, Laikipia, Nyandarua and Uasin Gishu counties.

In a statement on Friday, August 7, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said the government had approved the new price to enhance returns for wheat farmers.

"The Government has approved a producer price of Ksh5,100 per 90-kilogram bag for locally produced wheat for the 2026 season, up from Ksh4,750 last year, in a move aimed at improving farmers' incomes while ensuring a stable and affordable supply of wheat to millers and consumers," the statement read.

Kagwe said the new pricing followed extensive consultations coordinated by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), bringing together wheat farmers, cereal growers and millers to reach a balanced agreement.

"The decision follows extensive consultations coordinated by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA) involving the Cereal Growers Association (CGA), representatives of wheat farmers and cereal millers, culminating in a consensus that balances the interests of producers, processors and consumers," the statement added.

Kagwe added that the agreed producer price would apply at designated aggregation centres where the government has already begun purchasing locally produced wheat before allowing imports.

"The agreed price will apply at designated aggregation centres where the Government has commenced the ongoing wheat mop-up exercise ahead of any wheat importation, reaffirming its commitment to prioritizing locally produced grain and protecting domestic farmers," the statement further read.