Kenya’s BETA Program: What Smallholder Farmers Need to Know in 2026

If you’re a farmer in Kenya, you’ve probably heard about BETA — the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda. But what does it actually mean for you? And more importantly, how do you access the benefits?

Here’s what you need to know.

What Is BETA?

BETA is the government’s flagship economic policy, launched under the Kenya Kwanza administration and embedded in the Fourth Medium Term Plan (MTP IV) for 2023-2027. The idea is simple: instead of top-down economic growth that benefits a few, BETA focuses on sectors that directly impact ordinary Kenyans — starting with agriculture.

Agriculture is one of five core pillars under BETA, alongside MSMEs, housing, healthcare, and the digital economy. For farmers, this translates into subsidized inputs, value chain development, and targeted support to boost productivity and income.

The Numbers: What’s Been Allocated?

In the 2025/2026 national budget, the government allocated KES 47.6 billion to agriculture — down from KES 54.6 billion the previous year. While critics have pointed to this reduction, key programmes targeting smallholders have retained or increased their funding:

Source: Kenya News Agency, National Treasury Budget Statement FY 2025/26

The Fertilizer Subsidy: How It Works

The fertilizer subsidy programme is arguably the most visible benefit for smallholders. Here’s what’s changed:

• Price drop: The cost of fertilizer has fallen 67% — from KES 7,500 per 50kg bag in 2022 to KES 2,500 in 2025.
• Reach: Over 6.5 million farmers have been registered under the programme since February 2024.
• Distribution: The government targets 12.5 million bags annually, distributed through National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots and county-level collection points.
• Bonus seeds: Farmers purchasing subsidized fertilizer now receive free certified sunflower seeds as part of the government’s push to reduce reliance on imported edible oils.

Results: Maize production increased 38.9% — from 61.7 million bags in 2022 to 85.7 million bags in 2024.

How to Access Subsidized Fertilizer

To benefit from the programme, farmers must register under the e-voucher system linked to the Kenya Integrated Agriculture Management Information System (KIAMIS). Here’s the process:

1. Register: Visit your local agricultural office or register online via the KIAMIS platform. You’ll need your National ID and phone number.
2. Receive voucher: Once verified, you’ll receive an e-voucher via SMS.
3. Collect fertilizer: Present your voucher and ID at the nearest NCPB depot or authorized collection point.
4. Pay the subsidized price: Currently KES 2,500 per 50kg bag (subject to change).

Tip: Registration is ongoing. If you missed previous seasons, you can still register for the next planting cycle.

The Bottom Line

BETA represents a genuine shift toward farmer-focused policy in Kenya. The fertilizer subsidy alone has demonstrably lowered input costs and boosted production. But for smallholders to fully benefit, they need to:

1. Register for the e-voucher system
2. Stay informed on programme updates via local agricultural officers
3. Engage with value chain programmes beyond just inputs

The opportunity is there. The question is whether you’ll take it.

Sources

1. Kenya News Agency — “Agriculture gets Sh47.6B boost in Budget” (June 2025)
2. Kenya News Agency — “State to distribute 12.5 million bags of subsidized fertilizer” (2025)
3. The Star — “State slashes agriculture Budget to Sh47.6 billion” (June 2025)
4. KPMG East Africa — Kenya 2025/2026 Budget Brief
5. State Department for Economic Planning — MTP IV 2023-2027 Highlights
6. Huku Kenya — “Digital Fertilizer Subsidies in Kenya” (2025)
7. IEA Kenya — “Agriculture Sector Budget FY 2025/26”