Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Kenyans.co.ke
Published on 2024-03-29 16:51:07
The controversy surrounding the distribution of fake fertilizer has reached a critical point, with Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi refuting the accusations as mere propaganda. Despite the growing concerns raised by farmers across the nation, Linturi advised the farming community not to be swayed by what he described as misinformation.
“I am truly impressed by the farmers for taking the initiative to ensure they are not misled by those unscrupulous individuals who do not have Kenya’s best interests at heart,” stated the CS as he defended the integrity of fertilizer distribution.
Linturi’s remarks come in the midst of mounting pressure on government officials to address the issue at hand. James Kamau, Chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, has summoned Agriculture and Trade Cabinet Secretary Rebecca Miano to provide clarity on the matter.
“We need to understand how counterfeit fertilizers made their way into the government silos and hold those responsible accountable,” Kamau emphasized during a meeting in Kirinyaga, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Furthermore, Kamau urged farmers not to dispose of the suspected fake fertilizers they had purchased and requested them to retain any evidence, such as text messages confirming their purchases.
Esther Njeri Ngari, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), confirmed to lawmakers this week the presence of fake fertilizer in National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) warehouses. KEBS had seized 5,840 bags in a surveillance raid, prompting NCPB to sample the product in over 59 of its warehouses nationwide and suspend product licenses due to concerns that the fake fertilizer may still be in circulation.
This week, officials from KEBS and NCPB have come under scrutiny, with Members of Parliament calling for a special audit to investigate the alleged distribution of substandard fertilizer across the country. A regional fertilizer merchant based in Kenya is accused of supplying substandard fertilizer to NCPB, raising concerns about the integrity of the supply chain.
The National Assembly Public Investment Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy has directed the Office of the Auditor General to conduct an audit within one month to identify individuals involved in the scandal and recommend prosecution.
“We must understand KEBS’ batching mechanism to determine if they are complicit. If they only give approvals to manufacturers and stop there, then we, as Kenyans, are in trouble,” remarked Pokot South MP David Pkosing, underscoring the need for accountability.
Despite assurances that investigations are ongoing and relevant documents have been provided to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution, MPs expressed frustration over the lack of arrests in connection with the scandal, demanding swift accountability measures.
Concerns remain regarding the safety and effectiveness of fertilizers in circulation, particularly during the critical planting season. Farmers in Trans Nzoia have shown up in large numbers in search of subsidized fertilizer.
KEBS acting Managing Director Esther Ngari, speaking during an event in Nairobi County, assured MPs that investigations were underway and all necessary documents had been handed over for further action.
Overall, the issue of fake fertilizer distribution has sparked a nationwide debate and raised questions about the integrity of the agricultural supply chain in Kenya. Farmers and lawmakers alike are calling for accountability and transparency to ensure the safety and success of the farming community.
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