Murang’a County Government has announced a major shift in its maize and fertilizer distribution programme, planning to unveil a pilot automated system aimed at increasing efficiency, enhancing food security, and boosting farmers’ earnings.
According to a public E-notice issued by the county administration yesterday, the new system, enabled by Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, will modernize the distribution chain and address the logistical challenges that have affected farmers in previous seasons.
In the E-notice, Governor Irungu Kang’ata asserts that the move is part of his administration’s commitment to agricultural transformation and improved service delivery.
“We are embracing technology to ensure transparency, accuracy, and efficiency in how maize and fertilizer reach our farmers. Our goal is to eliminate delays and ensure every household benefits from a fair and well-coordinated distribution system,” The governor said.
He noted that since the maize support programme began one year ago, farmers’ earnings have risen from Ksh2,200 to Ksh4,000 per bag of 90 kilograms reflecting the programme’s impact.
However, the county chief acknowledged that the physical distribution model previously used had encountered challenges.
“We have seen situations where demand outstrips supply at some stations on delivery days. These gaps highlighted the need for a smarter, technology-driven solution,” Kang’ata added.
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He also revealed that as part of the pilot phase, the county will begin training GIS enumerators on December 1, 2025, at Mother’s Union Hall in Murang’a Town.
“The trained enumerators will then recruit merchants who will be responsible for distributing maize and fertilizer during the upcoming planting season, expected in February or March 2026.” He said
He added that two merchants will be selected per public primary school across the county, bringing the total number to approximately 1,100 merchants. Merchant recruitment is scheduled for mid-December 2025.
The automated system will help streamline the process, reduce logistical complications, and ensure timely delivery of farm inputs.
Governor Kang’ata reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to fulfilling its development blueprint.
“This programme directly reflects our promise to modernize agriculture and uplift farmer incomes. We are fulfilling the manifesto by creating a system that works efficiently for our people,” Kang’ata further observed.
By Juma Ndigo
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