Governor Irungu Kang'ata of Murang'a has highlighted that low fertilizer use and limited adoption of certified seeds are major barriers to agricultural productivity in Kenya.

During a speech at the FINAS 2026 Summit, he urged increased investment to help farmers access modern inputs like fertilizers, improved seeds, and machinery.

Kang'ata emphasized that Kenya's agriculture sector cannot achieve food security or boost farmer incomes without shifting focus to productivity gains.He noted that Africa uses the least fertilizer globally, contributing to food deficits.Certified seeds, he argued, are critical for improving yields, as traditional seeds limit output.

The governor shared that Murang'a has invested in distributing seeds, soil conditioners, and fertilizers to coffee farmers, while supporting dairy and mango producers through subsidies.He also called for mechanization to replace hand tools and better links between farmers and processors to align production with market demands.Kang'ata acknowledged debates over synthetic fertilizers but stressed that farmers should have access to approved inputs that boost productivity.

The article underscores the need for public and private financing to transform rural incomes and strengthen Kenya's food security, with agriculture contributing significantly to the economy.