Farmers who lost their maize this year can buy a 50kg bag of subsidised fertiliser for Sh2,000 and certified maize seed at half the old price as the October–December short rains begin, but the discount only reaches farmers who are digitally registered. Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe announced the deeper cuts on August 24, 2026, after the March–May rains failed in the Rift Valley, Kenya’s maize belt.
The offer lands at an awkward time. Many North Rift farmers are still paying off loans taken for the failed crop, and the Kenya Meteorological Service Authority (KMSA) expects an unusually wet season as El Niño strengthens. Here is what the subsidy covers, when the rains reach each region, and why some farmers are hesitating.
By the 254.ke Newsroom. Updated October 14, 2026.
How much do subsidised fertiliser and maize seed cost now?
Reuters reported that a 50kg bag of subsidised fertiliser now costs Sh2,000. The Nation put the earlier subsidised price at Sh2,500, and noted that it stood at Sh7,500 before September 2022. Seed prices were cut by half, with the government covering 50 percent of the cost of certified seed.
| Input | Old subsidised price | New price |
|---|---|---|
| Fertiliser, 50kg bag | Sh2,500 | Sh2,000 |
| Certified maize seed, per kg | Sh300 | Sh150 |
| Seed, 2kg pack | Sh600 | Sh300 |
| Seed, 10kg pack | Sh3,000 | Sh1,500 |
| Seed, 25kg pack | Sh7,000 | Sh3,750 |
Prices are as reported by the Nation in August 2026. Reuters said the seed programme targets about 40 million kilograms and costs roughly $46.3 million. Kagwe said a farmer who lost a crop to drought “should not lose the ability to plant the next crop.”
Who qualifies for the subsidy?
Only digitally registered farmers can buy subsidised inputs, according to the Nation. Since 2022, about 33.55 million bags of fertiliser have reached roughly 1.98 million farmers under the scheme, at a government cost of Sh78.79 billion. Farmers who are not yet on the register should ask their county agriculture office how to enrol before heading to a depot.
When will the short rains reach my county?
KMSA’s forecast for the October–December season says about 80 percent of the country can expect above-average rainfall. Onset dates differ by region:
- Western, Rift Valley and Nyanza (including Kakamega, Nakuru, Kisumu, Narok): rains from September, continuing into January.
- Central, Mount Kenya and Nairobi: second to third week of October, continuing into January.
- Eastern and south-eastern (Machakos, Kitui, Makueni, Kajiado, Taita Taveta): third to fourth week of October, continuing into January.
- Coast: second to third week of October, easing in the first or second week of December.
- Turkana and Samburu: third to fourth week of October, ending in early December, with poor to fair distribution.
Our region-by-region short rains guide has the full breakdown. For the official outlook, see the KMSA National Climate Outlook Forum statement.
Why are some farmers reluctant to replant?
The Nation reported that many drought-hit North Rift farmers, especially in Uasin Gishu and Trans Nzoia, are wary of replanting early-maturing maize. They cite high fuel, herbicide and labour costs, unpredictable weather and debts from the failed crop. Kipkorir Menjo, a director at the Kenya Farmers Association, said some farmers simply lack the capital to put money back into the ground. Losses were also reported in Naivasha, Nakuru County.
The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro) is urging farmers to use certified, early-maturing, drought-resistant seed. Deputy President Kithure Kindiki said in July that the government planned subsidised inputs for the October planting season, and that the El Niño rains could run until January.
What does the El Niño forecast mean for planting?
KMSA says El Niño is strengthening toward a very strong event. Drought risk is low across most of the country, though Turkana has a 15–20 percent chance of a mild drought. Prolonged wet spells and occasional isolated storms are expected, which raises the risk of waterlogging and erosion on sloping farms. Farmers in flood-prone areas can check the mapped flood hotspots before planting low-lying plots.
The stakes reach beyond the farm gate. Kagwe announced on August 20 that Kenya will import 25 million bags of maize to cushion consumers, and a weak short-rains harvest would keep pressure on unga prices.
Frequently asked questions
How much is subsidised fertiliser in Kenya in October 2026?
A 50kg bag costs Sh2,000 under the deeper subsidy announced on August 24, 2026.
Is the subsidy open to all farmers?
No. Subsidised inputs are limited to digitally registered farmers, according to the Nation.
When should farmers in Nairobi and Central Kenya plant?
KMSA expects rains to start in the second to third week of October in Central, Mount Kenya and Nairobi, so planting should follow the onset of steady rains in your area.
Which seed does Kalro recommend?
Certified, early-maturing, drought-resistant varieties, according to Kalro Director-General Patrick Ketiem.
Will the short rains be enough to recover this year’s losses?
The forecast is for above-average rain across much of the country, but a late or poorly distributed start would shorten the growing window, particularly in Turkana and Samburu.
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