KTDA receives 30,000 tonnes of fertilizer to boost tea production

Speaking during the flagging off of the fertilizer at the Port of Mombasa, KTDA Chairman Chege Kirundi said the consignment will reach farmers from next week.

Kirundi added that another consignment consisting of 33,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer had already left China, while an additional 36,000 tonnes would be dispatched within the next eight days.

He noted that the offloading of the fertilizer has been slowed down by the onset of the short rains season.

KTDA Board Member G.G. Kagombe, who was present at the event, said that delays in the arrival of the fertilizer had been caused by persistent court cases filed by businessmen who missed out on the fertilizer tender. Kagombe explained that the case had dragged on for ten months, eating into valuable logistical time that could have ensured farmers received their fertilizer on time.

He further noted that this is the third time in the last four years that court cases have slowed down the process of obtaining fertilizer for farmers. However, he said KTDA is exploring ways to mitigate such litigation in the future.

Farmers are expected to access the fertilizer at KSh 2,500 per 50kg bag, following government subsidization of the input. The consignment received consists of NPK fertilizer 26-5-5.

Kagombe assured farmers that the fertilizer is of high quality and said they should expect improved yields in the new season.