Govt Confirms Presence of Fake Fertiliser, Suspends Supplier
The government has confirmed the presence of fake fertilizer being distributed to farmers in the country.
The confirmation made on Friday, April 5, came amid double-speak and confusion over the presence and distribution of substandard fertilizer.
The Ministry of Agriculture, while confirming the presence of the substandard fertilizer, issued a directive urging farmers to cease using three fertilizer brands supplied by KEL Chemicals following failed tests conducted by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
In a statement released on Friday, Kilimo House stated, “All fertilizers being distributed meet the required quality requirements except those manufactured and distributed by KEL Chemicals branded Kelphos Plus, Kelphos gold, and NPK 10:26:10, which did not meet all required test parameters.”
Following Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi’s initial dismissal of allegations surrounding the quality of fertilizer distribution as mere propaganda, the government has now confirmed the substandard nature of the fertilizer.
Despite Linturi’s previous stance defending the integrity of the distribution process, subsequent developments have necessitated a re-evaluation of the situation.
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The confirmation of substandard fertilizer distribution comes in the wake of a directive issued by the National Development Implementation Committee (NDIC) on Friday, March 29.
Chaired by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, the committee convened for its inaugural meeting of the year, expressing concern over the matter.
In response, the NCPB was instructed to halt further distribution pending the conclusion of investigations.
“As a precautionary measure, the NCPB has been directed to suspend further distribution of fertilizer until the investigation is concluded and a report is provided,” the committee stated in a press release, pointing to the government’s commitment to upholding agricultural standards and supporting farmers nationwide.
Moreover, the NDIC affirmed its determination to hold accountable those found guilty of wrongdoing.
“The National Government reiterates its support for the farmers of our great nation to improve farm yields,” the committee reiterated, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in agricultural practices.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura addressed the allegations during a press briefing at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Thursday, April 3.
Mwaura disclosed that investigations were underway to identify individuals responsible for the manufacture and distribution of the alleged fake fertilizer. Samples tested by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) indicated discrepancies in the supplied fertilizer not aligned with the subsidy program.
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“May I explain that investigations are ongoing, over the allegations of fake fertilizer supplies to farmers to nail down those behind the scam,” Mwaura stated, highlighting the government’s proactive approach in addressing the issue.
Mwaura clarified that the flagged fertilizer, marketed under the GPC brand, was not part of the subsidized program facilitated by NCPB.
He emphasized that all fertilizers distributed under the Government Subsidised Programme are clearly labeled and marked to prevent confusion.
Calls for the apprehension and prosecution of those involved in the sale and distribution of counterfeit fertilizer have intensified.
Journalist John Allan Namu, Co-founder of Africa Uncensored which broke the story on fake fertilizers, has criticized the handling of the matter and questioned why the government is handling it as a public relations disaster while it affects food security.
“My real and very deep concern with this issue is that it is being handled as a PR disaster not a food security disaster which is what it is. Public Relations is one thing but you cannot public relations your way out of something as serious as a food security crisis,” he stated in an interview with Citizen TV on April 4.
Govt Confirms Presence of Fake Fertiliser, Suspends Supplier