Kenya’s North Rift Farmers Face Fertiliser Shortage, Threatening Maize Production and Food Security

BY AMOS MUTACHO

Farmers in Kenya’s North Rift region are alarmed by a shortage of top-dressing fertiliser, warning it could jeopardize maize production and food security ahead of the 2026 harvest. Several National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots have reported stock shortages, leaving farmers to buy fertiliser from private dealers at prices as high as Ksh 4,500 per 50-kilogram bag, compared to the subsidised price of Ksh 2,500.

Protests have erupted as growers demand timely access to fertiliser, crucial for optimal crop growth within three to four weeks after germination. Agricultural experts warn that delays could lead to a yield reduction of 15 to 20 percent.

The Ministry of Agriculture attributes the shortage to global supply chain disruptions due to conflicts in the Middle East. Although NCPB promises that fertiliser supplies are on the way, farmers are concerned about potential further delays impacting crop performance. The North Rift is vital for Kenya’s food production, and any decline in maize yields could have significant repercussions for food prices and national security. Stakeholders are closely watching the situation as the planting season progresses.