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Fertilizer plays a crucial role in Kenya’s agriculture, directly influencing crop productivity, soil health, and overall food security. As the country continues to face climate challenges and rising input costs, fertilizer pricing has become a significant concern for both small-scale and commercial farmers.

With government subsidies in place and fluctuating global markets, it is essential for farmers to understand the current cost of fertilizers, where to source them affordably, and how prices vary across the country.

In Kenya, the government has taken several measures to ensure affordable access to fertilizers through subsidized programs managed by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and county governments. These efforts have reduced the financial burden on farmers, especially during the main planting seasons. However, unsubsidized market rates still apply to many, especially those outside the target subsidy programs or in remote regions.

This article provides an overview of current fertilizer prices in Kenya, the different types of fertilizers available, the regional and market variations in pricing, and the global trends affecting local costs. It also highlights what farmers can expect moving forward and how they can make informed decisions when purchasing fertilizer for their farms.

1. Current Subsidized Fertilizer Prices in Kenya

As of 2025, the Kenyan government has continued its subsidy program to support farmers by providing fertilizer at significantly reduced prices. The fertilizers are distributed through the National Cereals and Produce Board depots and sub-depots across the country.

The latest subsidized prices per 50-kilogram bag are as follows:

Fertilizer Type	Price (KSh per 50kg bag)
Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP)	3,500
Urea	3,500
Calcium Ammonium Nitrate	2,875
NPK Blends	3,275
Muriate of Potash (MOP)	1,775
Sulphate of Ammonia	2,220

These subsidized prices have been fixed to support food production, particularly maize and cereal crops, and are generally limited to a maximum of 100 bags per farmer to ensure equitable distribution. Farmers access these fertilizers through digital registration platforms provided by the Ministry of Agriculture.

Read Also: Best Fertilizers for Vegetables in Egypt

2. Fertilizer Prices for Tea Farmers

The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has also taken measures to make fertilizers affordable for its members. In partnership with the government, KTDA has stabilized fertilizer prices at a rate of KSh 2,500 per 50-kilogram bag for NPK 26:5:5, the most commonly used formulation in tea-growing regions.

This price has remained steady due to direct government intervention and subsidies aimed at helping smallholder tea farmers cope with high production costs. The fertilizer is distributed through KTDA-managed factories and cooperatives, ensuring that farmers can access inputs ahead of the peak growing seasons.

Tea farmers are encouraged to pre-book their fertilizer requirements and follow proper storage procedures to maintain quality. KTDA’s support also includes transportation and distribution logistics, which help lower the cost for farmers in remote areas.

3. Unsubsidized and Regional Market Prices

For farmers who do not benefit from government or KTDA subsidies, fertilizer costs can be significantly higher. Market prices vary depending on the region, brand, type of fertilizer, and availability.

Fertilizer Type	Price Range (KSh per 50kg bag)
DAP	4,000 – 6,000
Urea	3,500 – 5,500
NPK Blends (imported)	4,500 – 5,500+
FC 25 (Nitrogen compound)	1,500 – 3,000

In high-demand periods or regions far from distribution centers, prices are usually higher due to transport costs and supply pressure. Some farmers turn to agrovets or cooperatives, which may offer slightly better prices or credit terms, but affordability remains a major challenge without subsidies.

4. Global Fertilizer Price Trends and Their Impact

The cost of fertilizer in Kenya is influenced not only by domestic factors but also by global market trends. Kenya imports a large proportion of its fertilizer, meaning international prices, fuel costs, and shipping rates play a significant role in determining local prices.

According to recent data from the World Bank, global fertilizer prices rose by 11 percent in early 2025. Urea prices climbed to US$390 per metric tonne, while DAP reached around US$600 per metric tonne. These increases are driven by rising energy costs, disruptions in supply chains, and increased global demand for food production.

East African importers, including those in Kenya, have seen NPK compound fertilizers arriving at costs of US$570 to US$590 per tonne, depending on the formulation. These elevated import prices have made it challenging for suppliers to offer low retail prices without government support.

Currency fluctuations also affect the affordability of imported fertilizers. A weakening Kenyan shilling against the dollar can further push up local prices, especially in the absence of subsidies or trade facilitation measures.

5. Outlook and Recommendations for Farmers

Looking ahead, fertilizer prices in Kenya are expected to remain relatively high in the unsubsidized market due to persistent global price pressures. However, the continuation of government subsidies provides some relief to smallholder farmers, particularly during planting seasons.

Farmers are advised to plan early, register for government support programs, and take advantage of subsidies where available. Purchasing fertilizer during off-peak times, such as post-harvest seasons, may also offer better prices in some regions.

Additionally, farmers should focus on efficient fertilizer use. This includes conducting soil tests before application, using recommended quantities, and combining organic matter with inorganic fertilizers to reduce dependence on chemical inputs. Practices such as intercropping, crop rotation, and conservation tillage can also enhance soil fertility and reduce the need for external inputs.

Access to information, training, and cooperative purchasing through farmer groups can further improve affordability and efficiency. As fertilizer prices fluctuate, informed and proactive farmers are better positioned to maintain productivity and profitability.

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