Kenya reduces maize seed and fertilizer prices via new subsidies

The Kenyan government has announced new subsidies for maize seed and fertilizer to assist farmers recovering from drought-related losses. Under the new measures, the price of a 50kg bag of subsidized fertilizer will drop from Sh2,500 to Sh2,000.

Additionally, the government will subsidize certified maize seed by 50 percent, reducing the cost from Sh300 to Sh150 per kilogram. This reduction applies to various packaging sizes, including 2kg, 10kg, and 25kg packs. The maize seed intervention is expected to cover approximately 40 million kilograms of seed, at an estimated cost of Sh6 billion to the state.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe stated that these interventions are part of a strategic shift from subsidizing consumption to supporting agricultural production. The goal is to lower production costs, improve productivity, and strengthen national food security. The government intends for farmers to access these inputs through designated distribution channels to prepare for upcoming planting seasons.