Huge Blow to Farmers as Ruto Bans Fertilizer Purchases — Here’s the Tough New Requirement

President William Ruto has announced a major shift in Kenya’s agricultural input distribution system, declaring that it will no longer be possible for anyone to walk into a shop and purchase fertilizer without formal registration.

The new directive, which is part of the government’s ongoing agricultural reform agenda, aims to eliminate corruption, curb diversion of subsidized inputs, and ensure that genuine farmers are the only beneficiaries of state-supported programs.

Speaking during a public address, President Ruto emphasized that the era of unregulated fertilizer access is over.

He noted that in the past, individuals who were not engaged in farming exploited loopholes to purchase subsidized fertilizer, often reselling it at inflated prices or diverting it away from the intended beneficiaries.

According to him, the new system will promote fairness, transparency, and accountability across Kenya’s agricultural value chain.

Under the revised rules, all farmers must register through the national farmers’ database before accessing fertilizer, especially subsidized varieties.

Registration will require farmers to provide key details such as the size of their land, type of crops grown, and location of their farms.

This information will, according to the President, enable the government to plan more accurately, distribute inputs efficiently, and strengthen food production systems.

Ruto highlighted that registration is not merely a bureaucratic process but a strategic step toward modernizing agriculture.

With a comprehensive farmers’ registry, the government will be able to forecast production trends, assess fertilizer needs, and channel resources to specific regions without wastage.

He added that the digitalization of fertilizer distribution aligns with Kenya’s commitment to using technology to revolutionize farming and ensure food security.

The directive has already sparked strong public reaction. Supporters argue that the system will prevent black-market operations and stop non-farmers from misusing subsidies meant for agricultural development.

However, critics fear that the registration requirement may disadvantage small-scale farmers who lack access to digital platforms or who struggle with bureaucratic processes.

Many have urged the government to deploy extension officers to rural areas to help farmers register without difficulty.

Despite these concerns, President Ruto maintained that registration is essential for achieving the country’s food security goals. 

He assured Kenyans that the government will streamline the process, making it simple, accessible, and inclusive for all genuine farmers.