Ruto Cuts Maize Seed Prices by 50%, Offers Sh500 Fertiliser Subsidy to Boost Food Production
President Ruto announces halving maize seed prices and a Sh500 fertiliser subsidy to encourage farmers ahead of short rains, aiming to strengthen food security.
By John Mtongoi Newsroom
August 23, 2026
2 min read
President William Ruto has unveiled measures to support Kenyan farmers by reducing the cost of essential farming inputs. Effective September, the price of a bag of maize seed will be lowered from Sh300 to Sh150, marking a 50 percent cut. Additionally, fertiliser prices will drop by Sh500, from Sh2,500 to Sh2,000, due to increased government subsidies.
Speaking during a church service at AIC Makutano in Taita Taveta County on Sunday, President Ruto urged farmers to capitalise on the upcoming short rains by planting more maize. This call comes after last season’s crop failures attributed to insufficient rainfall.
Key highlights of Ruto's announcement include:
- Maize seed price reduced by half to Sh150 per bag.
- Fertiliser price subsidised by Sh500, bringing the cost down to Sh2,000 per bag.
- A government push to increase food production and stabilise national food security.
Beyond agriculture, President Ruto defended his administration’s education reforms, highlighting an improved funding model designed to efficiently allocate resources. He confirmed that Sh18 billion in school capitation funds has already been disbursed ahead of the new school term starting next Monday.
Ruto also emphasized plans to introduce a new University and TVET funding framework, which, pending parliamentary approval, will enable students to pursue their desired courses without financial barriers.
On his broader development agenda, the President dismissed political distractions and urged leaders to focus on delivering tangible projects that drive Kenya’s transformation.
