President William Ruto has pledged to reduce the cost of fertiliser and seeds as part of government efforts to support farmers affected by poor harvests caused by below-average rainfall.
Speaking during a church service at the ACK Church in Moiben, Uasin Gishu County, the President acknowledged that many farmers across the country had suffered significant losses after the failure of the long rains disrupted crop production.
Ruto urged farmers to prepare for the expected short rains between September and October, assuring them that the government would take measures to make key agricultural inputs more affordable and encourage increased food production.
“The government will intervene to ensure farmers produce more,” Ruto said, adding that lower fertiliser and seed prices would be introduced from next year to help farmers increase production and reduce the risk of food shortages.
The announcement comes after months of reduced rainfall in several parts of Kenya, with many farming regions experiencing poor conditions during the main planting season.
The prolonged dry spell affected planting activities, crop development and final yields, leaving thousands of farmers with reduced harvests and lower incomes.
The situation has raised concerns over food security as farmers now look to the anticipated short rains as an opportunity to recover from the losses experienced during the previous season.
Farmers have also faced challenges linked to suspected counterfeit agricultural inputs. Last week, detectives recovered approximately 3,500 bags of suspected fake fertiliser and arrested three suspects during an operation in Uasin Gishu County.
Ruto said the planned interventions are part of wider government efforts to protect farmers, improve agricultural productivity and strengthen Kenya’s food security.
Beyond reducing input costs, the President announced plans to expand irrigation infrastructure as part of a long-term strategy to reduce dependence on rain-fed agriculture.
Through the recently established National Infrastructure Fund, the government plans to construct 50 mega dams, 200 medium-sized dams and 1,000 micro dams to support irrigation farming, particularly in arid and semi-arid areas that are frequently affected by drought.
According to Ruto, the investments will help improve food production, increase farmers’ resilience and reduce the impact of unpredictable weather patterns.
The President also defended his proposal to introduce Vision 2060, arguing that Kenya requires a new long-term development framework as Vision 2030 approaches its conclusion.
Ruto dismissed claims that the proposed blueprint is linked to the 2027 General Election, saying it is intended to guide the country’s development through public participation.
He further criticised the opposition, claiming it has failed to present a clear long-term development plan for Kenya.