September 10, 2023: President William Ruto in his inauguration speech directed that 1.4 million bags of fertilizer be availed to farmers at a maximum subsidized price of 3,500 shillings per 50kg bag down from 6500 shillings, as part of the government’s interventions to address the high cost of living.
Six days later, the subsidized fertilizer was availed at National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots and sub-depots countrywide. The prices of fertiliser would later drop by 1000 shillings when the president launched the second phase of the fertilizer subsidy program in August 2023. The move boosted farmers’ produce during the short rains.
January 11 2024: On efforts to increase production, Coffee Nyeri farmers called for the return of subsidized farm inputs such as chemicals and fertilizer saying they are unable to improve production due lack of farm inputs in part due to harsh economic times.
Furthermore, they have demanded the immediate implementation of Guaranteed Minimum Returns (GMR) for their produce as promised by President William Ruto’s campaign in 2022.
