By Robert Mutasi 
A growing wave of frustration is sweeping across Kenya’s North Rift region after hundreds of maize farmers staged protests at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot in Eldoret over a severe shortage of subsidised topdressing fertiliser.
The farmers, drawn from major food-producing counties including Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia and Elgeyo Marakwet, say the unavailability of Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) fertiliser has placed their crops and livelihoods in grave danger. The protests have exposed deep concerns about the government’s preparedness and commitment to supporting the country’s agricultural sector.
For many growers, the fertiliser shortage could not have come at a worse time. Maize crops across the region have reached a critical growth stage where topdressing fertiliser is essential for healthy development and maximum yields. However, despite repeated visits to NCPB depots, many farmers say they have returned home empty-handed.
“We have been coming here for weeks. Our maize is already past the ideal topdressing stage, yet there is no fertiliser,” lamented one farmer during the demonstrations in Eldoret.
The crisis has reignited concerns about recurring supply chain failures within Kenya’s agricultural sector. Farmers accuse authorities of poor planning and negligence, arguing that the shortage was predictable and could have been prevented through better procurement and distribution systems.
Adding to the anger is the revelation that some NCPB stores reportedly remained stocked with planting fertiliser while farmers desperately searched for topdressing varieties. To many growers, the situation reflects a serious disconnect between government planning and the realities on the ground.
According to NCPB officials, the shortage has been driven by exceptionally high demand this season. However, insiders within the board have also pointed to logistical challenges, including transport disruptions caused by rising fuel costs. Transporters are reportedly demanding additional payments, slowing the movement of fertiliser from suppliers to distribution centres.
While these explanations offer some insight into the delays, they have done little to calm anxious farmers who fear losing substantial portions of their harvest.
Agricultural experts warn that delayed application of CAN fertiliser can significantly reduce maize productivity. Without adequate nutrients during the critical growth phase, crops may develop poorly, resulting in smaller cobs and lower grain yields.
The implications extend far beyond individual farms.
The North Rift region is widely regarded as Kenya’s breadbasket, producing a significant share of the country’s maize. Any major decline in production could have serious consequences for national food security. Reduced harvests may trigger higher maize flour prices, increase inflationary pressures and force the country to rely more heavily on costly imports.
For farmers already grappling with high production costs, unpredictable weather patterns and fluctuating market prices, the fertiliser shortage represents another devastating blow.
“The government encouraged us to plant more maize to boost food security. Now the fertiliser is missing when we need it most,” said another frustrated farmer outside the Eldoret depot.
The growing discontent has prompted farmers to issue a three-day ultimatum to the government, demanding immediate intervention. Some protesters have even called for the resignation of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe, accusing the ministry of failing to protect the interests of food producers.
In response, NCPB North Rift Regional Manager Gilbert Rotich assured farmers that relief is on the way. He revealed that approximately 13,000 bags of topdressing fertiliser are currently being transported to the region and are expected to arrive within two weeks.
However, many farmers remain sceptical, noting that similar promises have been made before while the shortage persisted.
As tensions continue to rise, the fertiliser crisis has become a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities within Kenya’s agricultural supply chain. Stakeholders are now calling for long-term reforms, including improved forecasting, timely procurement, better logistics management and stronger coordination between government agencies and farmers.
With the country’s food security hanging in the balance, farmers say what they need now is not promises but action. The coming weeks could determine not only the fate of thousands of maize growers but also the size of Kenya’s next maize harvest.