Fake fertiliser withdrawn from market, says CS

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Moses Kuria has said only 2,000 bags of subsidised fertilisers failed quality tests and there is no cause for alarm.

Kuria assured that the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has since withdrawn the substandard fertiliser from the market and the board’s stores.

He urged farmers to continue purchasing genuine fertiliser, especially now that the country is experiencing rains and take advantage of the government’s subsidy program for sustainable food production.

“Out of the six brands being distributed under the subsidy program, five passed the quality test. Only one failed the test and their 2,000 bags were withdrawn from the market. It is high time farmers get to work, making use of the fertiliser subsidy programme, rather than get lost in the noise and regret later.” Kuria said.

The CS, who was speaking in Busia county said the five firms that passed the quality test include Mavuno Fertiliser, OCP Africa, Falcon Fertilisers, Minjingu Mines and Fertiliser Limited and FOMI.

A total of 5.9 million bags of fertiliser was issued to 995,517 farmers last year through the subsidy program, which increased maize production from 40 million bags to more than 67 million bags, an increase of about 59.7 per cent.

The Ministry of Agriculture has also said it increased the registration of farmers through the e-voucher digital platform from 1.3 million farmers in 2002 to 6.42 million farmers last year.

In line with the fertiliser subsidy program, Kuria said maize production is projected to grow from 67 million bags recorded last year to 80 million bags annually towards 2027.

But speaking separately on Sunday in Bomet, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi said the government will not relent in its efforts to comprehensively investigate the fertiliser issue and culprits will be brought to book to face full force of the law.

He warned those behind the supply of substandard fertiliser, saying their days numbered.

“We are telling NCPB, you should not delay anymore because you know very well when you follow the supply and distribution chain properly – which consignment was brought in by who and to be precise, when – Kenyans do not want stories because the answer lies with you NCPB,” Mudavadi said.

He said those who want to disrupt the steady progress of the country’s food production sector will be treated as enemies, affirming that time has come for action to prevail and there will be no room for any discussions with saboteurs of key sectors of the country’s economy.

Economic transformation

Saying that agriculture is a key pillar of the bottom-up economic transformation agenda, Mudavadi noted that farmers and those in the food production chain must be protected from cartels and ill-motivated brokers from their dubious dealings that cost the country a fortune.

“I am speaking directly to the ears and facing the eyes of those culpable, we will make sure the law follows these people so that they are charged in a court of law and prosecuted for them not to bring messes in the food security area.”

“The government cannot be putting in place constructive and progressive policies and plans as part of its agenda then someone with some malicious motives sneaks in fake fertiliser in the name of doing business, yet he is spoiling all the gains we have made,” regretted Mudavadi.

Mudavadi said the fertiliser issue is of great concern because it impacts directly on the lives of Kenyan, reiterating the Government’s support for farmers to improve yields.

“When people walk along corridors in pretence with some old briefcases trying to hoodwink government officials in high-respected offices so that they are given a chance to do business with the government, public officers should be cautious of those masqueraders. We should endeavour to undertake a background search on such unscrupulous business people and entities and flag them out,” said Mudavadi.

Mudavadi said areas with sensitive and essential commodities like food production, health, energy and education among other key sectors that drive the economy of the country should never be compromised by individuals out to use short-cuts and tricks to derail the government’s progress.

“The supply chain in government is traceable and nobody can hide if we purpose to do the right kind of follow-up. The government is keen on this aspect and soon I want to assure Kenyans this whole story about the fake fertilizer, you will see for yourselves the consequences,” warned Mudavadi.

Meanwhile, Kuria has said that the National Youth Service camp in Budalangi will soon be opened and will partner with Busia County to lease 10,000 acres of land for rice, cotton and edible oil farming to curb imports and save on foreign exchange.