Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organisation (Kalro) is set to build a state of the art livestock and soil testing laboratory in Uasin Gishu County.
According the Principal Secretary of Agriculture Richard Lesiyampe, the facility will conduct soil analysis and testing for farmers to know the right fertilizer to be used, and advice them on the right breeds of animals to rear.
"Uasin Gishu County government has given us eight acres of land where the laboratory will be constructed," Dr Lesiyampe said.
Speaking after visiting farms in Ziwa where maize had turned yellow, Dr Lesiyampe said the facility will be completed at the end of the year.
"After its completion, farmers will no longer use any fertilizer for their crops, but will be advised on the best one to use after soil testing has been done by agricultural officers," he said.
He added that the Ministry of Agriculture has come up with an insurance policy which will cater for losses incurred by farmers.
"Insurance policy will cater for both plants and animals. Farmers are required to apply," he said.
The PS said the government will pay half the amount while farmers will pay the rest.
He however assured farmers that top dressing fertilizer are available and will be at farmers' disposal before June.