Kenya’s Bold Agricultural Reforms Bear Fruit: Maize Self-Sufficiency Achieved, Farmers Empowered
To address the high cost of living—where approximately 54% of household income is spent on food—the government has introduced measures to reduce food prices.

Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura.Photo/Daily Nation.
By Fatmah Bilian
Over the past two years, Kenya’s government has implemented several agricultural policies that are now yielding positive results.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura highlighted initiatives such as the distribution of high-quality seeds and seedlings to farmers, aiming to enhance crop yields and achieve food security.
To address the high cost of living—where approximately 54% of household income is spent on food—the government has introduced measures to reduce food prices.
In 2022, Kenya imported maize worth Kshs. 10 billion.Since then, the country has achieved maize self-sufficiency, conserving valuable foreign exchange.
In preparation for the upcoming rainy season, the government has allocated 12.5 million bags of subsidized fertilizer to farmers nationwide.
This initiative aims to make farm inputs more affordable and boost agricultural productivity.
Agriculture and Livestock Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi emphasized the importance of timely distribution, noting that the exercise has commenced in various regions.
Additionally, the government is providing free certified sunflower seeds with each purchase of subsidized fertilizer.
This effort seeks to reduce reliance on imported edible oils and promote local oil crop production.
Linturi stated, “All the steps we are undertaking underscore the government’s dedication to bolstering agricultural self-sufficiency.”
The subsidized fertilizer program is set to benefit four million farmers across the country.
Farmers can access the fertilizer at Kshs. 2,500 per 50kg bag through agro-dealers and the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).
The government has also registered approximately 16,000 agro-dealers to facilitate distribution.
Farmers are encouraged to register via the e-voucher system by dialing 6163# to access the subsidized fertilizer.
These comprehensive measures reflect the government’s commitment to supporting farmers, enhancing food security, and promoting agricultural self-sufficiency in Kenya.