The government has taken decisive action by suspending the distribution of subsidized fertilizer produced by a local company due to concerns about its quality.
This company is one of the suppliers to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), which distributes fertilizer as part of the government’s subsidy program.
Responding to public outcry, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, through its Principal Secretary, Paul Ronoh, confirmed that the brand in question does not meet the required standards.
In a letter addressed to the Managing Director of NCPB, Joseph Kimote, PS Ronoh requested the immediate suspension of the distribution of NPK 10:26:10 fertilizer manufactured by the local firm.
Field inspections conducted by senior ministry officials revealed that the fertilizer supplied by the company under the subsidy program falls short of the necessary standards.
“In light of this, your institution is instructed to halt the distribution of this fertilizer to farmers with immediate effect,” PS Ronoh stated in the letter. “Furthermore, an investigation must be conducted to determine the specifications of this fertilizer before considering its reintroduction into the subsidy program.”
PS Ronoh emphasized that if the fertilizer fails to meet the specified standards, the supplier will face penalties and will be required to cover the full cost.
The government’s action comes in response to widespread reports and complaints from farmers regarding the purchase of alleged counterfeit fertilizer from NCPB stores.
Some politicians have urged the government to compensate affected farmers who may suffer significant losses as a result of using the suspected counterfeit fertilizers.
However, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has refuted claims of fake fertilizer being distributed under the subsidized fertilizer program.
“There is no counterfeit subsidized fertilizer being circulated in the market. The government ensures that farmers receive quality and standard fertilizer nationwide,” Linturi asserted.
During a visit to the Elburgon NCPB depot, Linturi urged farmers not to rely on their own assessments of fertilizer quality but to instead utilize laboratory testing for accurate assessments.
“Our farmers should refrain from visually inspecting fertilizer and making assumptions about its quality; those doubting its quality should have it tested in laboratories,” Linturi advised.
