North Rift Maize Farmers Threaten Mass Protests Over Fertilizer Crisis as Eldoret Depots Hit Breaking Point

Maize farmers in the North Rift region have issued a three-day ultimatum to the government, warning of mass protests if the acute shortage of top-dressing fertilisers is not urgently resolved.

The farmers, who have been camping for weeks at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots in Eldoret, expressed frustration over what they termed as poor planning and delayed distribution of subsidised fertiliser during a critical stage of maize production.

Many farmers said they have spent days and even weeks at the depot without receiving adequate supplies, despite having registered for specific allocations.

“When we needed planting fertiliser, there were none. Now that we need topdressing, it is not available, yet planting fertiliser is in plenty,” said Kenya Farmers Association (KFA) Uasin Gishu Director Kipkorir Menjo.

The farmers accused authorities of failing to align fertiliser distribution with the agricultural calendar, warning that continued delays could lead to reduced yields and heavy financial losses.

Some farmers reported receiving only a fraction of their allocated bags, leaving them unable to properly fertilise their maize fields as the rainy season approaches.

“We have been here since 5 am and still have not received even a single bag. We are the backbone of this country, yet we are being frustrated,” said Elgeyo Marakwet farmer Stephen Korat.

Others, including Jane Serem from Uasin Gishu, said she had camped at the depot for nearly four weeks and still faced uncertainty over when she would receive the remaining fertiliser allocation.

The farmers are now calling on President William Ruto to intervene urgently, warning that they may stage peaceful demonstrations within three days if the crisis is not resolved.

They also directed criticism at the Ministry of Agriculture, with some demanding accountability over the recurring fertiliser shortages in the region.

Despite the protests, NCPB North Rift regional manager Gilbert Rotich assured farmers that relief is on the way, stating that 13,000 bags of top-dressing fertiliser were en route to Eldoret and other depots.

“We expect the consignment to arrive by tomorrow morning. There is no need for alarm as mitigation measures are in place,” Rotich said.

The unfolding crisis has intensified pressure on the government, coming at a time when farmers across the country are grappling with rising production costs and unstable maize prices.

If unresolved, analysts warn that the fertiliser shortage could significantly affect maize yields in Kenya’s breadbasket region, further straining food security concerns.

National Cereals and Produce Board has assured farmers of imminent deliveries, while leaders from the North Rift continue to demand urgent intervention to avert protests and potential disruption of farming activities.