NAKURU, Kenya – Farmers in Nakuru County are expressing optimism for a prosperous harvest season, buoyed by the continued rainfall and the resultant stabilization in food prices. The county has been experiencing scattered showers since January, as forecasted by the Meteorological Department last year, leading to greener landscapes in areas like Elementaita, Kiambogo, and Mastoo. This change marks a significant improvement over the same period in the previous year.
According to Kenya News Agency, the dispersed rains have played a critical role in bringing crops to maturity. Farmers in the region have successfully harvested beans, with the price per kilogram stabilizing at Sh 80 since September 2023. Despite initial uncertainty about the predicted El Nino rains and delayed planting, many farmers returned to their fields as late as November, with expectations of a bountiful bean harvest.
In addition to beans, the region has seen an abundance of green maize and sorghum, crops that were previously rare. Kevin Ilakho, a cereals trader in Nakuru town, observed that these crops are nearing readiness for harvest, indicating another successful yield. Green maize is currently selling for as low as Sh 10 a cob at Elementaita trading center, a price attributed to the steady supply from Mau Narok. This trading center serves as a key stopover for farmers transporting their produce to markets in Nakuru, Nairobi, and other major towns.
Ilakho also noted that the demand for dry maize has decreased compared to last year. Families are able to supplement their maize meals with potatoes, readily available due to the ongoing rains. A report from the Office of the Auditor General in December 2023 highlighted that Nakuru County farmers were significant beneficiaries of the government’s subsidized fertilizer program, receiving over 440,000 bags out of 3.4 million distributed nationwide. This success is partly due to the collaboration between the County and the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), ensuring the efficient distribution of fertilizer.
The subsidized fertilizer program has facilitated easier access for farmers by establishing satellite depots in key locations such as Mutungati, Kiambogo-Gilgil, Kamara, Mauche, Molo, and Kiptororo. These efforts have contributed to the optimistic outlook among farmers in Nakuru County, who are now poised to reap the benefits of their labor and the favorable agricultural conditions.