{
  "id": 2806084,
  "title": "Ruto announces 50pc subsidy on maize seeds, Ksh500 fertiliser price cut",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/ruto-announces-50pc-subsidy-on-maize-seeds-ksh500-fertiliser-price-cut",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-23T14:55:04.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "KBC",
    "slug": "kbc",
    "url": "https://www.kbc.co.ke/ruto-announces-50pc-subsidy-on-maize-seeds-ksh500-fertiliser-price-cut/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President William Ruto has announced substantial reductions in the costs of maize seeds and fertiliser to support farmers preparing for the upcoming planting season. The President stated that the cost of a 50kg bag of subsidised fertiliser will be reduced from Ksh2,500 to Ksh2,000, while maize seed prices will be cut by half. This initiative aims to encourage farmers to utilize the upcoming rains to boost agricultural production.\n\nRuto made the announcement during a visit to the African Inland Church (AIC) Makutano in Taveta Constituency, Taita-Taveta County, where he also addressed the issue of education funding. The government has released Ksh18 billion in third term capitation funds to ensure uninterrupted learning activities. Ruto emphasized that schools have been receiving funding before the start of the academic year, countering claims of financial constraints.\n\nAddressing land ownership disparities in the coastal region, Ruto announced that the government will issue 500,000 title deeds in the coming months, including 45,000 in Taita-Taveta County. Survey work for the title deeds is underway, with Ruto planning to issue them from Taita-Taveta to Lamu in September. He also announced Ksh17 billion in investments for Affordable Housing Programme projects in the county, aiming to create employment opportunities for youth.\n\nIn terms of infrastructure, Ruto highlighted ongoing road projects in Taita-Taveta County, such as the Ilasit-Rombo-Njukini-Taveta road, 25km Cess-Rekeke-Lake Jipe corridor, and 55km Mto Mwagodi-Dawida-Mbale-Wundanyi-Bura Junction. These projects are expected to enhance transport and agricultural activities in the region.\n\nRegarding healthcare, President Ruto commended Governor Mwadime for the high registration rate of 73 percent in the Social Health Authority (SHA) among Taita-Taveta County residents. The government has also paid KSh950 million to health facilities in the county for the services provided over the past one and a half years.\n\nFinally, Ruto urged Kenyans to reject divisive narratives and political misinformation, emphasizing the importance of individual actions over rhetoric.",
  "summary": "President William Ruto has announced a further reduction in the cost of subsidised fertiliser and maize seeds to ease the burden on farmers as they prepare to plant ahead of rains set to start in October. The President said a 50kg bag of subsidised fertiliser will now retail at Ksh2,000, down from the current Ksh2,500, […] The post Ruto announces 50pc subsidy on maize seeds, Ksh500 fertiliser…",
  "key_points": [
    "President Ruto cuts maize seed prices by 50%, from Ksh2,500 to Ksh2,000 per 50kg bag",
    "Fertiliser price reduced from Ksh2,500 to Ksh2,000 per 50kg bag",
    "Government issues 500,000 title deeds in Taita-Taveta County"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "People Daily Kenya",
        "title": "Ruto announces 50% cut in maize seed prices",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/23/ruto-announces-50-cut-in-maize-seed-prices",
        "published": "2026-08-23T13:44:29.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}