Ruto Blames Red Sea Fighting for Delay in Distribution of Govt Fertilizer
On Wednesday, President William Ruto provided clarification regarding the nationwide delay in the distribution of government fertilizer.
Addressing attendees at the International Investment Conference in Kakamega, the President attributed the setbacks to the ongoing conflicts in the Red Sea region.
According to the Head of State, the blockade has prevented ships transporting subsidized fertilizer from reaching the Kenyan coastline.
“The fertilizer subsidy program is ongoing, with hard challenges because of intermittent supply mainly because of the challenges we are having at the Red Sea,” Ruto stated.
The clarification from the Head of State indicated that the fertilizer currently held up in the Red Sea is anticipated to reach the Port of Mombasa by April 10th.
The current crisis in the Red Sea has been initiated by Houthi rebels from Iran, who are protesting Israel’s actions targeting the Gaza Strip.
This has significantly disrupted maritime transportation along the busiest sea route, compelling ships to navigate around the southern tip of Africa instead.
Ruto additionally reassured the Kenyan populace that the government was actively seeking alternative fertilizer sources to address the shortage.
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“The government of Kenya will make sure that the Ministry of Agriculture is working around the clock to make sure that every farmer gets the required fertilizer before the season is over,” the Head of State announced.
“We will enhance the supply of fertilizer because we believe that will enhance productivity across all crops that are growing this season.”
To protect farmers from unscrupulous fertilizer vendors, President Ruto emphasized that the government would implement strict measures to prevent the distribution of counterfeit fertilizers and seeds to agricultural producers.
Ruto stated that the government had already apprehended individuals connected to the distribution of counterfeit fertilizers, noting that legal proceedings were underway to hold accountable those responsible.
“We must eliminate corruption, we must deal with those who want to sabotage our fertilizer program firmly, effectively, and conclusively,” Ruto stated.
Ruto’s remarks were made shortly after authorities from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) apprehended individuals accused of deceiving farmers in Kakamega by selling them sand disguised as fertilizer.
Ruto Blames Red Sea Fighting for Delay in Distribution of Govt Fertilizer
