Government releases KSh 3.6b to subsidise fertiliser prices

The government has released KSh 3.6 billion in subsidy for fertiliser prices, even as farmers prepare for the short rains.

President William Ruto ordered a reduction in fertiliser prices from KSh 6,500 to KSh 3,500 per 50kg bag, as a short-term solution to the food crisis in the country.

William Ruto’s inauguration

Speaking during his inauguration ceremony at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, Ruto said the government will subsidise 1.4 million bags of fertiliser.

“Our priority intervention is to make fertiliser, good-quality seeds and other agricultural inputs affordable and available. For the short rain season, we have already made arrangements to make KSh 1,4 million bags of fertiliser available at KSh 3,500 for a 50kg bag,” said Ruto.

Ruto stated that this was an initial intervention as the government plans to do more in the medium term to cut down the cost of living.

The funds will subsidise prices for 71,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser distributed to farmers this week.

Unga prices

The prices of basic food items like unga have been at the record high of KSh 200 per 2kg packet due to limited production.

According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS) August 2022 report, inflation in the country hit a record high of 8.5%.