The maize green revolution, which increased maize yields through the use of improved varieties and
fertilizer, has stalled since the mid-eighties in Kenya. This paper examines whether the stagnation of
yields continued in the 1990s in spite of the implementation of the maize liberalization policies by the
Kenya Government. Analysis of farm level surveys from 1992 and 2002 indicates slight increases in
the use of improved maize varieties and fertilizer, but a substantial decrease in the intensity of
fertilizer use. The econometric analysis suggests that the intensity of fertilizer use has a major effect on
yield. The use of improved maize varieties, however, did not affect yield, suggesting that there are
local varieties for some areas that do as well as improved varieties. Research is needed to develop
improved varieties for some areas, and also needed for the development of alternative affordable soil
fertility measures.