Ruto Cuts Seed and Fertiliser Costs for Farmers
President William Ruto has unveiled fresh support measures for farmers by announcing a 50 per cent subsidy on maize seeds and a further reduction in fertiliser prices.
Speaking during a church service in Taveta, he revealed that a 50-kilogramme bag of subsidised fertiliser will drop from 2,500 shillings to 2,000 shillings starting next month. The move aims to ease the financial pressure on growers as they prepare for the rains expected in October.
The president explained that the recent failure of the long rains in major agricultural regions had caused significant crop losses. By lowering the cost of essential inputs, the government hopes to encourage farmers to plant more extensively and take full advantage of the coming short rains. The subsidy on maize seeds will cut prices in half, making certified seed more accessible across the country and supporting efforts to boost food production.
Ruto made the announcement at the African Inland Church Makutano in Taita-Taveta County, where he was joined by local leaders including the county governor and several members of parliament. He stressed the importance of helping farmers recover from the difficult season and rebuild their capacity to produce adequate food supplies. The new prices are scheduled to take effect in September, giving producers time to plan their planting activities.
Beyond the agricultural support, the president also addressed other development priorities for the region. He confirmed that the government has released 18 billion shillings in capitation funds for the third school term and pledged to issue hundreds of thousands of title deeds, including tens of thousands in Taita-Taveta. Investments in affordable housing and ongoing road projects were also highlighted as part of broader efforts to improve livelihoods.
These input cost reductions form part of a wider strategy to shift resources toward production rather than consumption support. Officials believe cheaper seeds and fertiliser will enable farmers to expand acreage under maize and other crops, strengthening national food security in the months ahead. Growers are now being urged to prepare their land and take advantage of the lower prices as the planting season approaches.
