President William Ruto has committed to lowering the prices of fertiliser and seeds to support farmers recovering from widespread crop failures caused by insufficient rainfall.
Addressing congregants at the ACK Church in Moiben, Uasin Gishu County, on Sunday, the President acknowledged the severe losses farmers have endured following below-average long rains, which disrupted crop production across multiple regions.
He urged farmers to prepare for the upcoming short rains expected between September and October, assuring that government interventions will make crucial farm inputs more affordable to boost food production.
Key government measures include:
- Reducing fertiliser and seed costs starting next year to encourage higher agricultural output.
- Expanding water harvesting and irrigation infrastructure through the National Infrastructure Fund.
- Constructing 50 mega dams, 200 medium-sized dams, and 1,000 micro dams, particularly targeting arid and semi-arid areas prone to drought.
The President highlighted that these initiatives aim to enhance food security and resilience against increasingly erratic weather patterns affecting Kenyan farmers.
Ruto also addressed concerns about counterfeit fertiliser, referencing a recent police operation in Uasin Gishu County where 3,500 bags of suspected fake fertiliser were seized and suspects arrested.
In addition, the President defended the launch of Vision 2060, explaining it as a necessary long-term development blueprint succeeding Vision 2030. He dismissed claims linking the plan to the 2027 elections and criticized opposition parties for lacking a clear national vision.
