Nairobi, March 5 -- The government has ordered for the importation of 12.5 million bags of subsidised fertiliser to beat a looming shortage of the commodity ahead of the long season planting season.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi said the government has commenced the process of importation to ensure there is no shortage of fertiliser, especially in maize-growing areas in the country.

The CS said the government would make the subsidised fertiliser available across the country in time for the coming planting season.

The development comes after farmers in most parts of the North Rift region raised concerns over an impending shortage of subsidised fertiliser as they rushed to make purchases for the upcoming planting season....