CS Kagwe says maize harvests to hit a record 70 million bags this year

Speaking on Friday, the CS also announced plans to restock the National Strategic Food Reserve by purchasing maize directly from farmers, a move aimed at securing national food security and stabilizing markets.

According to CS Kagwe, the initiative will not only safeguard the country’s food security but also provide farmers with a reliable market for their produce.

“Our national food security has remained stable, with improved availability and reduced prices for staple foods. By replenishing the reserves, we are ensuring that farmers benefit from their hard work while protecting Kenyans from future food shocks,” said Kagwe.

He noted that the bumper harvest has been supported by the Government’s Fertilizer Subsidy Programme, which has delivered 21.3 million bags of fertilizer worth Kshs. 53.25 billion. This intervention he said has enabled farmers to save about Ksh.105 billion, with fertilizer prices dropping by up to 67% per 50kg bag—boosting the production of key commodities.

For the 2025 long rains season, 6.9 million bags of fertilizer were distributed, with plans to scale up to 12.5 million subsidized bags in 2026 to cover all 1,450 wards nationwide.

Speaking during the official opening of the 2025 A.S.K. Central Kenya National Show at Kabiruini Showgrounds in Nyeri, Kagwe reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to promoting sustainable, climate-smart agriculture while cushioning farmers through market interventions and subsidies.

“Climate-smart agriculture calls for responsible stewardship of our natural resources. We encourage tree planting in steep areas to prevent soil erosion and protect rivers. To keep river water clean for people and livestock, and to prevent waterborne diseases, only approved pesticides should be used,” he said.