In response to widespread concerns regarding counterfeit subsidised fertiliser across the nation, the government took action by halting the distribution of any fertiliser that did not meet the mandated standards and specifications.
Agriculture Principal Secretary Kipronoh Ronoh issued a notice on March 20, 2024, directed to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), instructing them to suspend distribution based on findings from a departmental spot check.
“Following a spot visit by Ministry staff led by the Principal Secretary to Counties and National Cereals and Produce Board stores, it was established that the above fertiliser being distributed under subsidy program may not be meeting the required standards as earlier indicated,” read part of the notice.
The NCPB received instructions to immediately halt the distribution of fertiliser to farmers, as stated in the letter also sent to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi.
Additionally, they were tasked with conducting thorough investigations to verify the specifications of the fertiliser before it could be reintroduced into the subsidy program.
Despite the directive from the State Department, CS Linturi denied the allegations, maintaining that there was no existence of counterfeit fertiliser.
Linturi while speaking in Kuresoi, Nakuru County on March 26,2024 asserted that government fertiliser was approved through scientifically testing before circulation to Kenyan farmers.
“The government fertiliser we are distributing is fertiliser that has been approved and we have all test results and analysis. This fertiliser has been tested and we have concluded it is fit. We cannot allow a situation where our farmers are being robbed,” he said.
CS Linturi cautioned farmers against giving credence to rumours and urged them not to be swayed by hearsay regarding the fertiliser issue. He criticised critics, suggesting that many were quick to assume the role of scientists without proper evidence.
Accusing the opposition of trying to hinder the government’s development efforts, CS Linturi blamed them for spreading unfounded rumours about the supposed counterfeit fertiliser.
Nevertheless, he acknowledged that the government had initiated investigations as a precautionary measure to ensure that counterfeit subsidised fertiliser was not in circulation.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) impounded 700 bags of fake fertiliser each weighing 50Kgs in Kakamega County. This impounding sparked a blame game among different lenders in the Ministry of Agriculture.
Subsequently, Police in Eldoret seized an extra 560 bags on March 26, 2024, that was being offloaded at a trading centre.
