The Ministry of Agriculture has acquired an additional 50, 000 tonnes of planting fertilizer to meet the shortage occasioned by a surge in demand.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Rono said the consignment of 1 million 50 kg bags will add up to the 3 million bags so far been distributed to farmers since December.
"We had anticipated a demand of 3.5 million bags, but there has been an upsurge in demand necessitating the need to acquire additional fertilizer," Mr. Rono said at the National Cereals and Produce Board Kitale depot.
He added that the government has issued Sh 1 billion to the Kenya Seed Company to support its subsidizing of seed maize at Sh 210 per 1 kg.
"The Kenya Seed Company has so far distributed 18 million kilos of seed maize to farmers across the country, with 12 million kilos still in stock," said the PS.
He said while the Kenya Seed Company's capacity will meet 65% of the Kenyan maize seed demand, private firms are urged to meet the remaining 35%.
"We also urge the private firms to leverage on the government's measures in reducing the cost of seed production to also lower their prices," he said.
Kwanza Member of Parliament Ferdinand Wanyonyi urged the Kenya Seed Company to cement its footprints in foreign countries to boost its revenue.
"Kenya Seed can actually take advantage of the available market in East and Central Africa to boost returns," said Mr. Wanyonyi.
The Trans Nzoia County Executive Committee in charge of Agriculture and Livestock, Phanice Khatundi, reiterated efforts in ensuring last-mile distribution of fertilizer for farmers.
"We have also come up with a free maize seed distribution to peasant farmers in efforts to boost food security," said Mrs. Khatundi.