President William Ruto Assures Kenyans of Sufficient Fertiliser Supplies
President William Ruto has assured Kenyans that the country has sufficient fertiliser supplies to support the current rainy season through September 2026. This assurance comes amid ongoing concerns about the impact of global events on Kenya’s economy and supply chains.
Ruto also stated that the government-to-government fuel procurement arrangement is cushioning consumers from immediate shocks amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Following a high-level meeting, the president reported that while the impact on fuel pricing is still being assessed, measures are being put in place to moderate adverse effects and ensure adequate supplies.
In a statement issued on March 30, 2026, following a comprehensive briefing from the ministries of energy, agriculture, and trade; the national treasury; the central bank; and private sector players, the president outlined the government’s assessment of the situation and the measures being implemented to safeguard the country’s economic well-being.
What Did the High-Level Meeting Address?
The president received a comprehensive briefing on the evolving geopolitical developments and possible recommendations on the way forward. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East, involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, has had a significant impact on the global economy, with disruptions already being felt across global supply chains and placing pressure on economies worldwide. Africa, including Kenya, is not immune to these effects.
“Over the past month, the government has remained vigilant and has actively managed developments, guided by continuous updates and assessments from relevant ministries and agencies,” President Ruto stated.
What Is the Situation with Fuel Supplies and Pricing?
Regarding petroleum products, President Ruto reported that while the impact on pricing is still being assessed, measures are being put in place to moderate any adverse effects and ensure that Kenya maintains adequate supplies. Ruto said that rising international oil prices are already affecting consumers globally, but the government-to-government fuel procurement arrangement has cushioned Kenyans from immediate shocks.
“This strategic intervention has mitigated price increases, ensured security of supply, and proven to be both prudent and forward-looking,” the president said.
The Ministry of Energy continues to assess international fuel prices and identify mitigating measures, working closely with the National Treasury to implement appropriate interventions. The president’s assurance that Kenya will maintain adequate fuel supplies comes as a relief to consumers who have faced concerns about potential shortages and price hikes.
What Is the Outlook for Fertiliser Supplies?
On fertiliser, President Ruto delivered reassuring news to farmers who rely on the product for food production. “I wish to assure the nation that no disruptions are expected. We have sufficient supplies to support the current rainy season through to September this year,” he stated.
The assurance is critical considering the ongoing rainy season, which is a crucial period for agricultural production. With sufficient fertiliser supplies secured, farmers can proceed with planting without fear of shortages or inflated prices that would have affected crop yields and food security.
How Are Key Exports Performing Amid the Disruptions?
With regard to trade, President Ruto noted that while some key exports, particularly tea, were expected to face challenges in certain markets due to the conflict, performance remains strong. “The latest data indicates that we exported 81% of tea offered for auction this month, compared to 75% in March 2025,” the president reported.
This improvement in tea export performance reflects the success of the government’s strategy to diversify export markets and reduce reliance on any single destination. The president also highlighted significant growth in activity at the ports of Mombasa and Lamu. Notably, the Port of Lamu has recorded a sharp rise in throughput, including the handling of over 4,000 high-value motor vehicles destined for Gulf markets for onwards transshipment.
“This underscores the strategic importance of our port infrastructure, whose capacity and efficiency we continue to enhance,” President Ruto said.
The president acknowledged that meat exports have been affected due to logistical and freight challenges arising from the conflict and noted that the Ministries of Trade and Agriculture will collaborate to explore alternative solutions to support exporters in this sector.
As the conflict in the Middle East continues to evolve, the government has indicated it will maintain its vigilant monitoring and assessment approach, ready to implement further interventions as needed to protect Kenyan consumers and businesses from the worst effects of the global disruption.
