Nakuru County has continued to implement the national subsidized fertilizer programme, distributing over 630,300 bags of fertilizer across the county in 2025. The exercise placed Nakuru among the counties with high uptake of the programme, reflecting sustained coordination between the national government, county structures, and farmer organizations.
The distribution was carried out through National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots as well as 14 satellite stores that were operationalized to improve access. The use of satellite stores reduced the distance farmers had to travel to collect inputs, allowing timely access during the planting seasons. This approach supported farmers in planning their farm activities without delays linked to transport or congestion at central depots.
In addition to NCPB outlets, farmer cooperatives played a central role in supporting the distribution process. The county worked with six cooperatives—Kamasis Cooperative, Mauka Cooperative, Lare Njoro Farmers Cooperative, Waseges Agribusiness Cooperative, Tulwobmoi Cooperative, and Mau Narok Farmer Cooperative—to ensure fertilizer reached farmers within their localities. These cooperatives acted as distribution points and coordination hubs, linking registered farmers to the programme and facilitating orderly issuance of inputs.
Through collaboration with the cooperatives, the county ensured that subsidized fertilizer was available closer to farmers and within appropriate timelines. This approach addressed challenges associated with long distances, delayed deliveries, and limited access, particularly for small-scale farmers. By decentralizing distribution, the programme reduced operational barriers and supported more farmers to participate.
The subsidized fertilizer programme aims to lower the cost of farm inputs, enabling farmers to allocate resources to other production needs. Reduced input costs support improved land preparation, timely planting, and the use of recommended fertilizer application rates. These factors contribute to increased crop yields across food and cash crops grown within the county.
Increased agricultural production supports household food availability and creates opportunities for surplus produce to enter local markets. Farmers are able to generate income from sales, supporting household needs such as education, healthcare, and reinvestment in farming activities. At the county level, increased production contributes to stable food supplies and reduced reliance on external food sources.
The programme also supports employment within agricultural value chains, including transport, storage, and cooperative management. The involvement of cooperatives strengthens farmer organization, collective bargaining, and access to extension services. Through these structures, farmers receive information on input use, crop management, and market access.
Governor Susan Kihika’s administration has continued to prioritize agriculture as part of its commitments to food security, farmer support, and economic growth. The implementation of the subsidized fertilizer programme aligns with the Governor’s pledges to reduce the cost of production for farmers and to strengthen agricultural systems within Nakuru County. By working with national agencies and local cooperatives, the county government has translated policy commitments into operational actions that directly reach farmers.
The Governor’s focus on decentralizing services is reflected in the use of satellite stores and cooperative-based distribution. This approach supports inclusivity by ensuring that farmers in different sub-counties access inputs without unnecessary logistical challenges. It also reflects the administration’s commitment to collaboration with farmer institutions as partners in service delivery.
Beyond fertilizer distribution, the programme supports broader county goals related to food security, income generation, and rural development. Access to inputs at the right time supports consistent production cycles, contributing to stable food availability throughout the year. This aligns with the Governor’s agenda of strengthening livelihoods and supporting productive sectors within the county.
As Nakuru County continues to work with cooperatives and national institutions, the subsidized fertilizer programme remains a key component of agricultural support. The ongoing distribution reflects an approach that links policy direction with farmer-level implementation, reinforcing the county government’s commitment to supporting agriculture and delivering on its development promises.