North Rift Farmers Demand Urgent Action Over Fertiliser Shortage as Government Promises Fresh Supplies
The government says more than 95 per cent of planting and top dressing fertiliser has been distributed nationwide, assuring farmers that additional supplies are being delivered to prevent shortages during the critical crop growth period.
NCPB North Rift Regional Manager Gilbert Rotich says fertiliser distribution challenges have been addressed, with 13,000 bags already on the way to depots across the region.Photo/Edmond Mutai
By Ruth Sang
The government has assured farmers that challenges affecting the distribution of subsidised top dressing fertiliser are being addressed, with fresh supplies expected to reach depots across the North Rift region within days.
Speaking at the Eldoret depot, NCPB North Rift Regional Manager Gilbert Rotich said the distribution bottlenecks that had affected farmers had largely been resolved.
“This morning, I am pleased to inform you that the challenge we had on the distribution of top dressing fertiliser has been mitigated,” Rotich said.
He disclosed that approximately 13,000 bags of fertiliser were already en route from one of the government’s suppliers and would be distributed to various stations across the region.
“As you can see behind me, this is one of the trucks that has delivered top dressing fertiliser for the Eldoret depot. Similar deliveries are being made to other stations within the region,” he added.
According to Rotich, the government has distributed more fertiliser this season than during the previous one. He said 3.27 million bags of top dressing fertiliser had already been distributed nationwide, compared to 3.17 million bags during the entire previous season.
“Compared to last year, when we distributed 3.17 million bags of top dressing fertiliser, this year we have already distributed 3.27 million bags,” he said.
He further noted that more than 95 per cent of both planting and top dressing fertiliser had been distributed and assured farmers that additional stocks would continue arriving over the next two weeks.
“Ideally, there should be no concern or worry from our farmers. The government has put in place mitigation measures to ensure any future shortages are avoided,” Rotich said.
However, farmers in the North Rift region expressed frustration over persistent delays in accessing subsidised fertiliser, saying the shortages threaten crop production during a critical stage of the farming season.
The farmers appealed to President William Ruto to intervene and ensure adequate supplies reach them before it is too late.
“We have been here since 5 a.m., and yet we have not received even a single bag of fertiliser. We are appealing to our president to come to our rescue since we are the backbone of this country. If there is laxity, this nation will be in deep trouble,” said Stephen Korat, a farmer from Elgeyo Marakwet County.
Jane Serem, a farmer from Uasin Gishu County, said she had spent several weeks trying to obtain fertiliser without success.
“This is the fourth week I am here, yet there is no sign of getting any fertiliser. We cannot be praising ourselves that we are in government, yet there are a lot of challenges we are facing as farmers,” she said.
The farmers warned that they could organise peaceful demonstrations within three days if the shortage is not resolved. They also called for the resignation of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, accusing him of failing to ensure sufficient fertiliser supplies.
Despite the concerns, Rotich maintained that the situation was under control and assured farmers that deliveries would continue.
“This morning we have 13,000 bags en route to different stations in the region, and by noon tomorrow we expect the first consignment to have reached all our stations,” he said.
He added that the government was working closely with suppliers to guarantee adequate fertiliser stocks until all farmers receive their allocations.
“Progressively, we will continue receiving more top dressing fertiliser until every farmer has been served,” Rotich said.
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