Kenya is set to record a historic maize harvest of 70 million 90kg bags in 2025, the highest in the country’s history, according to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Sen. Mutahi Kagwe.
This marks a continued upward trend from 67 million bags in 2024 and more than double the 34.3 million bags harvested in 2022.
Speaking during the official opening of the 2025 A.S.K. Central Kenya National Show at Kabiruini Showgrounds in Nyeri, CS Kagwe announced that the Government will restock the National Strategic Food Reserve by purchasing directly from farmers.
“The move will guarantee national food security and provide farmers with a stable market for their produce,” said Kagwe.
“Our national food security has remained stable, with improved availability and reduced prices for staple foods.
By replenishing the reserves, we are ensuring that farmers benefit from their hard work while protecting Kenyans from future food shocks.”
Kagwe credited the bumper harvest to the Government’s Fertilizer Subsidy Programme, which has so far provided 21.3 million bags of fertilizer worth Sh 53.25 billion.
The initiative has enabled farmers to save approximately Sh 105 billion, with fertilizer prices falling by up to 67% per 50kg bag.
For the 2025 long rains season, 6.9 million bags of fertilizer were distributed, with plans to increase this to 12.5 million subsidized bags in 2026, covering all of Kenya’s 1,450 wards.
The Agriculture CS emphasized the Government’s commitment to climate-smart and sustainable agriculture, highlighting efforts to encourage tree planting in steep areas to prevent soil erosion and protect water resources.
“Climate-smart agriculture calls for responsible stewardship of our natural resources. We must protect our rivers by using only approved pesticides to prevent waterborne diseases and ensure clean water for both people and livestock,” he noted.
Kagwe also affirmed Kenya’s commitment to international agricultural standards, particularly compliance with the European Union Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), to keep Kenyan produce competitive and sustainable in global markets.
The Government’s efforts, he said, are geared towards ensuring food security, improving farmer livelihoods, and building resilience against future climate and market shocks.
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