Updated 28 October 2026
Fertilizer prices in Kenya for the 2026 short rains: government-subsidised fertilizer from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) costs KSh 2,000 per 50kg bag for registered farmers with an e-voucher, down from KSh 2,500 in the previous programme. On the open market, a Kenya News Agency spot check in Vihiga in September 2026 found DAP retailing at KSh 6,700 and CAN at KSh 4,950 per 50kg bag. This page tracks those official and reported prices with dates, and explains how to buy at the subsidised price.
Updated 28 October 2026. Sources: Kenya News Agency (KNA), 16 September 2026; NCPB Government Subsidized Fertilizer Program FAQs. We only list prices published by government sources or reported by KNA, each with its date and place.
Fertilizer prices in Kenya: latest tracker
| Date reported | Product (50kg bag) | Price | Where / type | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 16 Sep 2026 | Subsidised planting and top-dressing fertilizer | KSh 2,000 | NCPB depots and county last-mile centres (e-voucher holders) | KNA, NCPB Chavakali depot |
| 16 Sep 2026 | DAP (open market) | KSh 6,700 | Vihiga County retail | KNA |
| 16 Sep 2026 | CAN (open market) | KSh 4,950 | Vihiga County retail | KNA |
| Earlier programme | Subsidised fertilizer (all types) | KSh 2,500 | NCPB depots | NCPB FAQs |
On those figures, a farmer buying subsidised fertilizer saves KSh 4,700 a bag against market DAP and KSh 2,950 against market CAN. Open-market prices vary by county, agro-dealer and transport cost, so treat the Vihiga figures as a reference point, not a national price.
Who qualifies for subsidised fertilizer?
The biggest gap in fertilizer prices in Kenya is between the subsidy and the open market, so qualifying matters.
According to NCPB, the subsidy is for registered farmers whose details are in the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management Information System (KIAMIS). Farmer co-operatives and other legally registered farmer organisations can also benefit, provided each member is in the national farmers’ register. Registration is free at your county, sub-county or ward agricultural office.
How to buy subsidised fertilizer step by step
- Register at the ward or sub-county agricultural office if you are not yet in KIAMIS. There is no charge.
- Wait for your e-voucher. It is sent by message and shows the maximum planting and top-dressing quantities you can buy, based on the acreage you declared.
- Go in person to the nearest NCPB depot or county last-mile selling centre with your original ID and the e-voucher message. You cannot buy on someone else’s behalf.
- Pay by M-Pesa or bank once the depot manager approves: M-Pesa to the NCPB till number displayed at the depot, or a bank deposit to the account the depot gives you. Cash is not accepted, and there is no credit.
- Collect your bags. You can buy in instalments over the season as long as you stay within your voucher limit.
NCPB depots open Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm. Reselling subsidised fertilizer is illegal.
When is the subsidy available?
NCPB’s Chavakali depot manager told KNA the short rains season runs from 1 July to 31 December 2026, and that the depot had received 22,800 bags by 10 September, with urea expected for top-dressing sugarcane and Napier grass. Stock levels differ by depot, so check with your local depot before travelling.
Watch out for fake and repacked fertilizer
Subsidised fertilizer is a target for fraud. In October 2026 the Anti-Counterfeit Authority seized 323 bags of subsidised fertilizer repacked in fake bags in Kakamega (see our report on the ACA seizure). Buy only from NCPB depots, official last-mile centres or established agro-dealers, keep your receipt, and check that bags are sealed and labelled. Our list of fertilizer companies in Kenya names the main manufacturers and distributors.
Making the most of each bag
Fertilizer is one of the largest costs in maize and potato farming, so match the type to the crop and soil. A soil test through your county agricultural office or KALRO helps you avoid buying the wrong product. For crop-specific guidance see Irish potato farming in Kenya and the top maize-producing counties.
We update these fertilizer prices in Kenya in place when NCPB, the Ministry of Agriculture or KNA publish new prices.
Official sources: KNA, 16 September 2026 and NCPB subsidised fertilizer FAQs.
Frequently asked questions
What is the price of subsidised fertilizer in Kenya in 2026?
KSh 2,000 per 50kg bag at NCPB depots and county last-mile centres for registered farmers with an e-voucher, as reported by KNA in September 2026.
How much is DAP fertilizer in Kenya on the open market?
KNA found DAP retailing at KSh 6,700 per 50kg bag in Vihiga County in September 2026. Prices differ by county and dealer.
How do I get a fertilizer e-voucher?
Register for free in KIAMIS at your county, sub-county or ward agricultural office. The e-voucher is then sent to you showing how many bags you can buy.
Can I pay cash at an NCPB depot?
No. NCPB accepts M-Pesa to the depot till number or a bank deposit, after approval by the depot manager. Cash and credit are not accepted.
Can I buy subsidised fertilizer for my neighbour?
No. NCPB requires each farmer to appear in person with their own ID and e-voucher, and reselling subsidised fertilizer is illegal.
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