Agriculture CS Linturi says probe launched into fake fertiliser scandal

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has said that the government has launched investigations into the alleged fake fertiliser that was distributed recently to farmers in different parts of the country.

Speaking during a stakeholders' engagement on Edible Oil Crop Promotion in Naivasha town, Nakuru County on Saturday, Linturi stated that investigations into the alleged fake fertiliser scandal have commenced, warning of tough action against the masterminds.

“If anybody is trying to mislead or to get anything that dissembles fertilizer in the market, then that person will be dealt with within the provisions of the law,” the CS warned.

His warning comes after the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBs) collected samples of the fertiliser said to be fake, with the results expected next week.

Additionally, the incident has attracted fury from a section of farmers who have called for the resignation of the CS over the scandal. However, Linturi was quick to dismiss the said complaints from farmers.

“I have not received any formal complaints about the use of alleged fake fertiliser other than what we read from the media,” he said.

He further defended the fertiliser subsidy programme, stating that it has revolutionised production in the country.

“This time around, we expect to do better because we have been able to learn from the past and issue better fertilisers,” Linturi stated.

Meanwhile, police on Friday received samples of alleged fake fertiliser, which are said to have been bought from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot at Eldama Ravine.

The police had received complaints from two people from Poror Village within Koibatek Sub County who claimed to have on different dates within the month of March, bought a total of 34 bags of the subsidized fertiliser dubbed ‘Kelgreen’ only to open and find what resembles cattle-licking salt, black stones, and goat or sheep hair.