NGPU December 30, 2023

Nakuru County emerges second biggest beneficiary of the subsidized fertilizer program

Written by Mercy Kihugu

Nakuru County farmers have emerged as the second biggest beneficiaries of the subsidized fertilizer program after Uasin Gishu County after receiving over 440,000 bags of the 3.4 million bags supplied across the country.

This is according to a special report by the Office of the Auditor General which takes stock of the National Government’s subsidized fertilizer program and its uptake by counties.

Nakuru’s feat in the uptake of the fertilizer program was achieved by the continued collaboration between the County and the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB)to ensure the continuous last-mile distribution of fertilizer across the county.

The last-mile distribution of fertilizer is part of the county’s promise to empower farmers by ensuring they have access to subsidized fertilizer.

The program aims to ease the farmer’s burden of accessing subsidized fertilizer by having it near them and in good time.

In addition to the existing six National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots within the county, satellite stores have been established to supplement the distribution process in the sub-counties.

These satellite stores were located in Mutungati – Bahati, Kiambogo – Gilgil, Kamara – Kuresoi North, Kiptororo – Kuresoi North, Molo- Molo Sub-county, and Mauche – Njoro which enhanced accessibility for farmers and brought down the overall cost of production.

The administration also trained extension officers on the technical know-how during the redemption of the e-voucher during the purchase of the fertilizer.

The training will be very significant in ensuring the continuous last-mile fertiliser distribution across the county.

The Government, through the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development (MALD), launched the fertilizer e-subsidy program in September 2022.