Murang’a County has announced a significant overhaul of its maize and fertilizer distribution programme, unveiling plans for a pilot automated system designed to boost efficiency, strengthen food security, and raise farmers’ earnings.
In a public E-notice issued on Wednesday, the county government said the new system, powered by Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, will modernize the distribution chain and resolve longstanding logistical gaps that have disrupted farmers in past seasons.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata said the shift reflects his administration’s commitment to transforming agriculture and improving 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.
Since the maize support programme was rolled out a year ago, Kang’ata noted, farmers’ earnings have increased from Sh2,200 to Sh4,000 per 90-kilogram bag, underscoring the initiative’s gains.
But the governor also acknowledged that the previously used physical distribution model had faced 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.
Under the pilot phase, the county will begin training GIS enumerators on December 1, 2025, at Mother’s Union Hall in Murang’a Town. Once trained, the enumerators will recruit merchants who will oversee maize and fertilizer distribution during the next planting season, expected between February and March 2026.
Two merchants will be assigned to each public primary school, bringing the total to about 1,100 countywide. Merchant recruitment is scheduled for mid-December 2025.
The automated system is expected to streamline distribution, minimize logistical bottlenecks, and ensure farm inputs reach households on time.
Kang’ata reiterated that the initiative aligns with his development agenda.
“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,” he said.
