Kenyan maize farmers protest fertiliser shortages in North Rift, warning of reduced harvests, food security risks, and economic losses.
Maize farmers in Kenya's North Rift region have recently staged protests at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot in Eldoret, expressing outrage over a severe shortage of subsidised topdressing fertiliser, specifically Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN). The recurring issue, observed in both June and March 2026, has left farmers in key maize-producing counties like Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, and Elgeyo Marakwet frustrated and concerned about their impending harvest.
The primary cause of the farmers' unrest is the unavailability of the crucial topdressing fertiliser at a critical stage of the maize growing cycle. Farmers have accused the government of poor planning and failing to ensure timely supply of the input. Many reported waiting for weeks at the NCPB depots, often returning home empty-handed, despite their crops having already outgrown the optimal topdressing period. Adding to the frustration, farmers noted that NCPB stores were reportedly stocked with planting fertiliser when the immediate need was for topdressing varieties.
Several factors contribute to this persistent shortage. NCPB officials cited high demand for fertiliser this season as a reason for the scarcity. Additionally, a source within NCPB indicated that transporters were demanding additional pay due to increased fuel prices, which complicated the distribution process. This logistical hurdle has further exacerbated delays in getting the fertiliser from suppliers to the depots and, ultimately, to the farmers.
The consequences of this fertiliser shortage are far-reaching, impacting economic stability, food security, and the agricultural industry. Economically, farmers face the grim prospect of significantly reduced yields, directly threatening their livelihoods and potentially leading to substantial financial losses. The delay in applying topdressing fertiliser can severely compromise the healthy growth of maize crops, diminishing the quality and quantity of the harvest. This situation poses a significant threat to Kenya's food security, as the North Rift region is a vital breadbasket for the nation. A poor maize harvest could lead to increased food prices and heightened reliance on imports.
In response to the protests, farmers have issued a three-day ultimatum to the government to address the shortage, with some even calling for the resignation of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe. While NCPB North Rift regional manager Gilbert Rotich assured farmers that 13,000 bags of topdressing fertiliser were enroute and that supplies would be available within two weeks, farmers remain sceptical given the prolonged delays. The ongoing crisis highlights the urgent need for robust planning and efficient supply chain management within the agricultural sector to prevent future disruptions and safeguard the nation's food production.
