Babu Owino's Message to President Ruto Following Fertilizer Price Cut
Embakasi East Member of Parliament, Babu Owino has sent a message to President William Ruto after his government today released fertilizers that now retail at Kshs. 3,500 from the initial price of Kshs. 6,500.
Leah Mukangai 
On Monday, September 19, the Ministry of Agriculture released 1.4 million bags to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) after the state set aside Ksh3.55 billion through the National Treasury to implement President William Ruto's directive.
"To actualize the Presidential directive, the subsided fertilizer program will start with counties undertaking planting during the short rains season of 2022. The government has availed Ksh3.55 billion to subsidize 71,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer for growing food crops during the short rains season," part of the statement read.
Babu Owino went on to say that Kenyans cannot eat fertilizers and that the price of fertilizer is therefore not a priority for Kenyans at the moment. He also stated that Kenyans will not have the patience to wait until the rainy season begins to reap the benefits of the subsidized fertilizer.
" We can't eat fertilizer now. We have to wait for the planting and harvest season. Will we have the patience to wait? We will not," Babu Owino stated.
Embakasi East MP urged President Ruto to instead reduce the country's maize flour prices to Kshs. 70. He also suggested that President Ruto reduce taxes on secondhand clothing sold throughout the country, as well as rent.
President William Ruto stated during his inauguration speech on September 13 that his administration will prioritize production over consumption.
UREA has been subsidized to Ksh3,500, while nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium (NPK) will be sold at Ksh3,725. Muriate of Potash (MOP) will cost Ksh1,775, di-ammonium Phosphate (DAP) will cost Ksh3,500, calcium ammonium nitrate (CAN) will cost Ksh2,875, and ammonia sulphate will cost Ksh2,220.
