President William Ruto has expressed confidence that his administration has delivered on its promise to ease the cost of living for Kenyans since 2022. Speaking during the official opening of the Nairobi International Trade Fair on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, the Head of State pointed to agricultural reforms as the foundation of this progress.
Fertiliser Subsidy as a Game-Changer
Ruto highlighted the fertiliser subsidy programme as one of his government’s most impactful interventions. According to him, the price of a 50kg bag of fertiliser has dropped from Ksh7,500 in 2022 to Ksh2,500 in 2025.
“We also reduced the price of fertilisers from Ksh7,500 to Ksh2,500, a move that has undoubtedly helped us reduce the cost of living through production,” Ruto said.
The President explained that the lower production costs have directly translated into reduced food prices. For instance, the price of a 90kg bag of maize has fallen by 31 per cent, easing inflationary pressure on Kenyan households.
Digitisation of Agriculture
Ruto also pointed to the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management System (KIAMS), launched in 2023, as another milestone. The platform registers farmers digitally, helping the government eliminate middlemen and target genuine farmers.
“Today, 7.1 million farmers are active on the platform, up from 300,000 in 2024,” he revealed. He added that the digital tool provides policymakers with real-time data to design effective and evidence-driven agricultural policies.
Growth in Tea and Other Crops
The President further noted that tea farming has expanded by 12 per cent since 2022, attributing the growth to government support programmes. Other cash crops, he said, are also benefiting from similar reforms.
On Track to Food Security
Ruto concluded by affirming that the country is on track to achieve food security. “We have stumbled at times, but our deliberate actions are bearing fruit. Kenyans can now feel the relief of reduced food prices and sustainable production,” he remarked.
The Nairobi International Trade Fair showcased these successes, bringing together farmers, innovators, and investors to highlight Kenya’s agricultural progress.
