The Kenyan farmer has had very many challenges in the past which is why the Kenya Kwanza government based the BETA Agenda on Agricultural Reforms as one of the pillars of its foundation. In the past, many farmers expressed concern at the ever rising prices of fertilizers. With brokers and sellers taking advantage of them, highly rising the cost of production. Many farmers had resulted to abandoning farming all together, unless it was for their own consumption.

This led to the decline of food supply in the country, with food prices skyrocketing, causing many Kenyans anguish and worry.

When President Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza government took over, they made the promise to bring down the cost of production for farmers and increase food security.

The Deputy President together with the county governments had farmers registered in various areas right before the last long rains which then led to issuance of subsidized fertilizers to over 2 Million farmers.

Before the Kenya Kwanza government took over, fertilizer was retailing at 7,000/- shillings which was quite a steep price to many farmers. The government slashed the prices from 7,000/- to 3,500/- which significantly lowered the cost of production for farmers. This has led to several outcomes.

  1. Cost of Production Lowered.

Farmers have been noted to say that their cost of production and farming has gone down significantly this year. More farmers who had either abandoned farming or were doing little for their families were able to resume proper farming. This harvest season, farmers have reported an increase in the bags harvested by about 20 Million bags.

With the second phase of farmers registration, more farmers will be able to access the subsidized fertilizers which is now 2,500/-.

  • Surplus of Food.

The harvests this season have been encouraging and aligning with President Ruto’s dream of the country’s ability to produce a surplus of food. A surplus of food in the country will be key to solving the food insecurity challenges the country has previously experienced.

The government is in the process of building markets all over the country will give all Kenyans accessibility to food all over the country.

A surplus of food will be a relief as less funds will be used to import food items to feed the country. This will also reduce the amount of foreign debt.

A surplus of food will also be significant in increasing the amount of agricultural exports.

  • Employment Opportunities.

More Kenyans will be willing to either resume farming or take up the practice as lowered cost of production will mean an increase in earnings. This will be a positive impact to the country’s economy and GDP.