DOI: https://doi.org/10.36347/sjavs.2025.v12i10.002

Pages: 285-290

This review critically examines the implementation of agricultural input subsidies in Kenya, with a focus on their successes, failures, and potential as a strategy for eradicating food insecurity. Drawing on literature review of various research articles, government policy documents, and other related reports on agro-input subsidies, the review assesses how input subsidies, particularly for fertilizers and certified seeds have influenced agricultural productivity and national food security outcomes in Kenya. While subsidies have played a role in boosting maize production and improving access to inputs among resource-poor farmers, the review identifies significant limitations, including political interference, delayed delivery, corruption, and unsustainable funding mechanisms. The uneven targeting of beneficiaries and the lack of complementary support services have further undermined the intended impacts. Nonetheless, the review paper argues that with better targeting, increased transparency, integration with climate-smart practices, and alignment with broader agricultural development strategies, input subsidies hold considerable promise. This is because despite the fact that the achievements are below expectations, there is room for turning the challenges into opportunities for attaining food security through input subsidies in Kenya. The review concludes by offering policy recommendations to optimize the effectiveness of subsidy programs in addressing chronic food insecurity and promoting inclusive agricultural growth in Kenya.