The government has been forced to step in and take a decisive action to avert a storm following the Kenya Tea Development Agency's (KTDA) announcement of a hike in tea fertiliser prices.
In a notice dated October 9, KTDA indicated that farmers would be charged Sh3,400 for 50kg of fertiliser.
This is contrary to the standard price of Sh2,500 in line with the government's subsidy programme to revitalise the tea sub sector.
The amount, it said, would be deducted from the final bonus payment to be released next week.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh has, however, reassured the smallholder tea farmers of the government's commitment to lessening the burden on the purchase of the input.
Ronoh directed the agency to comply with the government's directive as funds have been availed for the programme.
"...you are advised to ensure that the fertilisers are supplied to tea farmers at the government recommended price of Sh2,500 per 50 kg bag as the Ministry process the subsidy payments," the letter addressed to KTDA CEO Wilson Muthaura reads in part.
Ronoh stated that the Ministry of Agriculture together with the National Treasury is currently processing Sh2 billion to be availed to the agency in 2024/2025 financial year for tea farmers' fertilizer subsidy programme.
This adds to the Sh1.4 billion that was availed in July 2023 for the programme.
KTDA has procured 97,000 metric tonnes of chemically compounded NKP 26:5:5 fertiliser this year, an increase of 4,000 metric tonnes ordered last year.
Already, 47, 390 metric tonnes have arrived and currently being distributed to farmers across the tea growing areas in the country.
Over 700, 000 tea farmers are targeted.
KTDA says the vessel carries 50, 120 metric tonnes is expected at the Mombasa port next week.