President Ruto announces further price reduction of fertilizer and maize seeds

It is a relief for farmers as President William Ruto announces a further reduction in fertilizer and maize seed prices in a move aimed at cushioning farmers affected by drought.

Speaking during a church service at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Likuyani, Kakamega County, he also said the government remains committed through deliberate policies to support the agriculture sector.

The Head of State added that farmers across the country can buy the 50kg bag of fertilizer at Ksh.2,000 down from Ksh.2,500 and 2kg packet of maize seeds at Ksh.150 from November.

This follows injection of a Ksh.5 billion subsidy by the government to help in food production.

“Na mnaweza kuenda kununua kuanzia wiki hii tukisonga mbele mpaka ile msimu inayokuja, pia. Ei itakuwa hapo 50%,” said President Ruto.

“Nimetoa shillingi bilioni tano kuleta bei ya mbegu chini, ndio wakulima wazalishe chakula tusiwe na njaa katika taifa letu.”

The president then turning his attention to a core constituency in Western Kenya – cane farmers, who according to him haven’t been fairly rewarded.

“Mwezi ujao wa kumi na moja, mimi nitakuja hapa, na tayari tuko na pesa Ksh.1.2b ya kuja kulipa bonus. Vile bonus ya chai inalipwa, kwani miwa imefanya makosa gani isilipwe,” he said.

Dr. Ruto's sustained political salvos against his predecessor also continued, collectively accusing the opposition and the 4th president for advancing divisive agenda, and attempts at maintaining the status quo.

“Kwa sababu sasa wameona kenya inazidi na kuungana na kuna usawa kila sehemu, ndio wamesponsor watu na vibaraka, puppets, stooges ndio sasa wakuje waharibu mambo, lakini mniachie hawa watu, nitadeal na hao,” he said.

The Head of State and leaders in his company laying blame on successive administrations, and exclusionary policies, touting his administration’s accomplishments.

“Wale ambao walishindwa kupanga usawa katika taifa letu la kenya ndio wanakasarika na mimi, kwa sababu nimesema lazima kuwe na usawa katika taifa letu la kenya. Na hakikishia wakenya mbele, nyuma, kulia, kushoto lazima kutakuwa na usawa katika taifa la Kenya,” he noted.