The government has assured farmers that logistical challenges affecting the distribution of subsidised fertiliser have been resolved.

In a statement issued Saturday, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe said issuance of over one million bags will kick off on Monday, March 24, 2025.

The CS said the government has fast-tracked delivery efforts by deploying train wagons to transport fertiliser from the Mombasa port to the Naivasha inland port, with the first batch expected to arrive by Sunday morning.

Additionally, 1,380 metric tons of fertiliser are en route to the Mombasa port to boost supply.

“The spirit by our farmers should remain high by coming out in numbers to redeem their e-voucher messages occasioned by the onset of the rains which could have caused panic among those who would not want to be late to plant their crops,” Kagwe stated.

He noted that despite a temporary hitch that left some farmers unable to redeem their e-voucher messages, distribution had remained largely stable with 2.6 million bags issued for planting for the long rain season.

“The high demand works in our favor, since it now creates space in our depots and swiftly suppliers have been instructed to resume deliveries and effective by next week stores will be fully replenished,” said Kagwe.

The government has also warned farmers against purchasing fertiliser from unregistered dealers, cautioning that criminals are taking advantage of the high demand to sell fake or substandard products.

The ministry urged farmers to buy only from National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots and authorised distributors.

“Farmers are encouraged to only purchase fertilisers from registered distributors and NCPB.”

By Fred Odanga.