Farmers in Trans Nzoia County have raised alarm over an acute shortage of top-dressing fertilizer at National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots in Kitale and Moi’s Bridge, warning that the situation is threatening maize production and the country’s food security.
Speaking during a press briefing in Kitale, farmer representative Joseph Chepkole from Cherang’any constituency said many farmers are unable to access the much-needed fertilizer at a critical stage of crop development.
Chepkole noted that maize crops across the region are already showing signs of stress due to the lack of fertilizer, with some beginning to wilt.
“Our crops are wilting because farmers cannot access top-dressing fertilizer. The NCPB depots in Moi’s Bridge and Kitale currently have no stocks. We are appealing to the government to urgently ensure adequate supplies are delivered to these depots before farmers incur heavy losses,” he said.
He further alleged that cartels were taking advantage of the shortage to exploit farmers by selling fertilizer at inflated prices, making it difficult for small-scale farmers and elderly citizens to afford the farm input.
“The government must move swiftly to address the activities of cartels who are frustrating farmers. Many elderly farmers who depend on subsidized fertilizer are suffering because they cannot afford the high prices being charged elsewhere,” Chepkole added.
The concerns were echoed by Cherang’any aspirirng MP John Njunguna, who described the current situation as painful and frustrating for farmers who rely heavily on maize farming for their livelihoods.
“Farmers are in pain. Maize is the backbone of our economy and a key pillar of food security in this country. If farmers are unable to access fertilizer at the right time, the consequences will be felt across the entire agricultural value chain,” he said.
Njunguna also highlighted the rising cost of fuel as another major challenge facing farmers, particularly those engaged in mechanized agriculture.
He noted that diesel prices, which currently range between Sh234 and Sh240 per litre in some areas, have significantly increased the cost of land preparation, planting, spraying, and harvesting.
“The high cost of diesel is making mechanized agriculture increasingly expensive. Farmers are spending more money on farm operations, yet they continue to face challenges accessing essential inputs such as fertilizer,” he said.
The farmers called on the Ministry of Agriculture and relevant government agencies to urgently intervene by replenishing fertilizer stocks at NCPB depots and strengthening oversight mechanisms to prevent hoarding and profiteering by unscrupulous traders.
They warned that failure to address the fertilizer shortage could lead to reduced maize yields in one of Kenya’s leading grain-producing regions, potentially undermining national food security and increasing the cost of food in the coming months.
