Feeding Kenya Shouldn’t Mean Starving the Soil

Kenya is working to feed its growing population, and fertilizer has become a vital tool for boosting crop production. More farmers are using it today, thanks to government support and improved distribution. But experts warn: without caring for the soil, these gains may not last.

Recent reports show farmers applying about 50 kilograms of fertilizer per hectare, double the estimated 25 kilograms used a few decades ago. Fertilizer imports also rose to roughly 650,000 tonnes in 2022.

Fertilizer replenishes key nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which crops extract from the soil each season. For instance, one hectare of maize can absorb more than 40 kilograms of nitrogen and potassium annually. By using fertilizer, farmers can grow more food on the same land, reducing pressure to clear forests or grasslands.

Despite these benefits, Kenya’s soil faces serious challenges. Continuous farming without proper care has drained nutrients and organic matter. About two-thirds of farmland is acidic, making fertilizer less effective.

In some areas, maize yields remain low at 15–18 bags per acre, even though the land could produce over 50. Studies in Trans Nzoia County show that after 20 years of fertilizer use, phosphorus levels rose, but nitrogen and potassium declined, and soil structure weakened.

Access to fertilizer is also uneven. While subsidies help, small-scale farmers often struggle to get enough especially at the right time. A 2023 survey found that around 70% of farmers received subsidized fertilizer, but smaller farms had limited access. Changes to subsidy programs have disrupted private suppliers, making distribution harder in remote areas.

Experts say the solution isn’t more fertilizer but smarter use. Combining fertilizer with compost or manure can restore soil health and boost organic carbon. In acidic soils, lime improves efficiency. Soil testing helps farmers know exactly what type and amount of fertilizer to apply, rather than relying on generic advice.

For policymakers, the challenge is clear: increase productivity without harming the land. Fertilizer can improve food security, but overuse or misuse can degrade soil and lower yields. Experts recommend crop rotation, organic matter, soil testing, and conservation farming as part of a balanced approach.

Kenya’s rising fertilizer use signals progress but research makes it clear: fertilizer alone cannot restore depleted soils. Future harvests depend on farmers, scientists, and government agencies working together to grow more food while keeping the soil alive.