Government Prepares Drought Support as Kagwe Assures Kenyans of Food Security

The government is preparing interventions to cushion farmers from drought losses as prolonged dry conditions continue to threaten maize production in several parts of the country.

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Sen. Mutahi Kagwe said the government will support farmers affected by changing weather patterns while taking measures to maintain adequate food supplies and stabilize the prices of essential commodities.

Kagwe spoke after an assessment tour of Eldoret, Nandi and Trans Nzoia counties, where he examined the impact of drought on agricultural production, particularly maize, one of Kenya’s most important food crops.

The Cabinet Secretary acknowledged that irregular rainfall has affected maize production in some areas but assured farmers that the government would not abandon producers facing losses.

He said maize farmers play a critical role in feeding the country and supporting the wider economy, making their protection a priority as Kenya responds to increasingly unpredictable weather conditions.

“We will not allow Kenyans to suffer from hunger because of the current weather conditions,” Kagwe said, assuring consumers that measures were being implemented to prevent food shortages and keep essential food prices stable.

The government is also considering interventions to help farmers recover from drought-related losses and prepare for future production seasons. Kagwe said the response would take into account the growing effects of climate change, which have disrupted traditional rainfall patterns and increased the risks facing farmers.

The CS also commended Kenya Seed Company for maintaining supplies of certified seed despite the difficult weather conditions. He said access to quality planting material remains critical to protecting food production, particularly as farmers prepare for subsequent seasons.

At the same time, Kagwe renewed his warning against counterfeit seeds, describing the illegal trade as a major threat to Kenya’s food security.

He said farmers who purchase fake seed often discover the problem several months after planting, when poor germination or crop failure has already caused substantial financial losses.

Kagwe directed security agencies to intensify investigations and arrests targeting traders involved in the sale of counterfeit agricultural inputs. He also urged Members of Parliament to support legislation that would classify the sale of fake seeds as an economic crime.

The Cabinet Secretary said the practice amounts to economic sabotage because it directly undermines agricultural production and threatens national food supplies.

He urged farmers to exercise caution when purchasing seed by verifying both suppliers and sources. Farmers were encouraged to obtain certified seed from recognized institutions, including Kenya Seed Company and the Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization (KALRO).

Kenya Seed Company Chief Executive Officer Sammy Chepsiror assured farmers that the country has adequate seed stocks despite the drought. He credited the government’s fertilizer subsidy programme with enabling more farmers to plant and contributing to increased agricultural production.

Chepsiror said Kenya harvested nearly 70 million 90-kilogram bags of commercial maize last year and noted that this year’s crop had initially shown strong potential before drought affected several major maize-growing regions.

He expressed confidence that planned government interventions would help cushion affected farmers and ensure adequate food supplies.