Maize farmers in the North Rift are facing a difficult choice of replanting with short-maturing crops or waiting for the long rains and risking another season after drought and disease outbreaks damaged crops across the region.

For farmers who have already spent heavily on land preparation, seeds, fertiliser, weeding and pest control, the decision could determine whether they recover some of their investment or suffer another loss.

The Ministry of Agriculture has admitted that the country could record up to 30 per cent crop failure and is urging farmers to take advantage of the September-December rains to adopt climate-smart farming practices.

“We are in discussions with other stakeholders on how to support farmers who have incurred losses to invest in alternative food crops. The government will offer subsidised seed and fertiliser to empower farmers to cultivate short-term crops,” Principal Secretary for Agriculture Dr Paul Ronoh said during a fact-finding tour of Trans Nzoia and parts of the North Rift.

Read: Maize prices jump as poor harvest shrinks supply

The ministry has deployed experts to assess maize performance in the region and establish the extent of the losses before recommending interventions.

But farmers say the damage could be worse than the government’s initial estimates, with some areas projecting losses of up to 50 per cent.

“We are anticipating losses in the current season, with low production because the maize cobs did not fully form as expected. The alternative is to plant short-term crops during the upcoming short rains to help us recoup our investment,” said Mr Mathew Koech, a farmer from Ziwa in Uasin Gishu County.

For such farmers, crops such as beans and potatoes offer a possible lifeline because they mature faster than maize and could provide food and income before the next maize season.

The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), however, is advising farmers to avoid rushing into another planting season without seeking technical advice.

“There is a need for farmers to adopt certified and early maturing and droughtresistant seed varieties that suit their agro-ecological zones,” said KALRO Director-General Dr Patrick Ketiem.

Read: Massive crop failure leaves maize farmers staring at loan defaults

A maize plantation ready for harvest in Katakala, Narok West constituency in the backdrop of poor production in this photo taken on July 22, 2026.

Photo credit: Vitalis Kimutai | Nation

The ministry has deployed experts to assess maize performance in the region and establish the extent of the losses before recommending interventions.

But farmers say the damage could be worse than the government’s initial estimates, with some areas projecting losses of up to 50 per cent.

“We are anticipating losses in the current season, with low production because the maize cobs did not fully form as expected. The alternative is to plant short-term crops during the upcoming short rains to help us recoup our investment,” said Mr Mathew Koech, a farmer from Ziwa in Uasin Gishu County.

For such farmers, crops such as beans and potatoes offer a possible lifeline because they mature faster than maize and could provide food and income before the next maize season.

The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), however, is advising farmers to avoid rushing into another planting season without seeking technical advice.

“There is a need for farmers to adopt certified and early maturing and droughtresistant seed varieties that suit their agro-ecological zones,” said KALRO Director-General Dr Patrick Ketiem.

Read: Massive crop failure leaves maize farmers staring at loan defaults

A heap of maize stalks cut and ready for harvest at Katakala in Narok West constituency in this photo taken on July 22, 2026.

Photo credit: Vitalis Kimutai | Nation

The ministry has deployed experts to assess maize performance in the region and establish the extent of the losses before recommending interventions.

But farmers say the damage could be worse than the government’s initial estimates, with some areas projecting losses of up to 50 per cent.

“We are anticipating losses in the current season, with low production because the maize cobs did not fully form as expected. The alternative is to plant short-term crops during the upcoming short rains to help us recoup our investment,” said Mr Mathew Koech, a farmer from Ziwa in Uasin Gishu County.

For such farmers, crops such as beans and potatoes offer a possible lifeline because they mature faster than maize and could provide food and income before the next maize season.

The Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (KALRO), however, is advising farmers to avoid rushing into another planting season without seeking technical advice.

“There is a need for farmers to adopt certified and early maturing and droughtresistant seed varieties that suit their agro-ecological zones,” said KALRO Director-General Dr Patrick Ketiem.

Read: Massive crop failure leaves maize farmers staring at loan defaults