The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) has imported 88,000 metric tons of NPK fertilizer from Russia for KSh9 billion.
The ship docked in Mombasa with a consignment of 41,000 metric tons of fertilizer, which is equivalent to 820,000 bags. The second batch of 47,000 metric tons is expected in the country in the first week of September.
The consignment is set to benefit over 600,000 tea farmers who own 54 factories across the country.
KTDA board chairman David Ichoho says that bulk importation of the NPK fertilizer leverages economies of scale and this enables farmers to secure the fertilizer at the best possible price.
While in Mombasa, Ichoho said the fertilizer will be distributed equally countrywide adding that they are in talks with the government to subsidize the commodity to farmers so that they can get it at fair prices.
The local price of fertiliser, which has been pushed by rising international prices, is KSh4,200 for a 50kg bag. This is a 54% increase compared to the previous season. With subsidy, it will cost about KSh3,500 per bag.
Mr Ichoho said the fertiliser will be transported via the standard gauge railway (SGR) from the port to other parts of the country under a deal between KTDA and Kenya Railways.
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