KENYA – Kenya is poised for a bumper maize harvest this year, with production expected to rise by 20 million bags, reaching an estimated total of 70 million 90-kg bags, according to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Andrew Karanja.
During a recent visit to Trans Nzoia County, Karanja attributed this significant increase to favorable weather conditions and substantial government support.
Speaking during his tour of various maize farms, Karanja highlighted the impact of good rains and the provision of subsidized fertilizers, which have enabled farmers to expand their acreage under cultivation.
“We are very excited about the expected bumper harvest because this will ensure the country has adequate food,” he said.
Last season, maize production ranged between 40 and 60 million bags, but this year’s crop is more promising.
The Agriculture CS inspected four farms managed by the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) and the Kenya Seed Company (KSC) in the region.
He praised the collaboration between ADC, KSC, and other stakeholders in the agricultural sector, which he said has been crucial in providing farmers with the necessary support to boost production.
Karanja assured that the government would continue strengthening and sustaining all programs aimed at supporting farmers. He emphasized that additional support will be provided to KSC and ADC to ensure they effectively fulfill their mandates.
“As a government, we will offer the necessary support to KSC and ADC to ensure they discharge their mandate in the sector,” Karanja stated.
Karanja also commended the efforts of farmers, acknowledging their role in contributing to the country’s food security. He announced plans to increase the supply of subsidized fertilizer, priced at KSh 2,500, to help maintain high productivity levels.
“Good production is an indicator that the country is now food secure,” he noted.
Looking ahead to the next planting season, KSC is expected to harvest 70 million kilos of seed maize, while ADC, a major contracted seed grower, is set to produce 10 million kilos.
ADC Managing Director Wilson Tonui confirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring an adequate seed supply for farmers, following a shortage of certain seed varieties earlier this year that affected parts of the North Rift region.
Karanja was accompanied on his tour by Kenya Seed Company Chairperson Purity Ngirici, the firm’s CEO Sammy Chepsiror, and National Assembly Agriculture Committee member Ferdinand Wanyonyi.
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