Former NCPB officials to stand trial in Ksh.209 million fake fertilizer case

The Milimani Anti-Corruption Court has ordered two former National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) officials, a businessman, and two companies to stand trial over allegations of defrauding the public through the sale of substandard fertilizer valued at Ksh.209 million.

According to the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP), the suspects include Joseph Kiplangat Ngetich, former NCPB Corporate Secretary; John Mbaya Matiri, then-chair of the Business Development and Advisory Committee; businessman Josiah Kariuki Kimani; Fifty-One Capitals Limited; and SBL Innovate Manufacturers.

They face charges of conspiracy to defraud the public by passing off soil amendments and conditioners as fertilizer between March 2022 and March 2024.

Led by Everlyn Onunga, Senior Assistant Director of Public Prosecutions, the ODPP accused Kimani of forging false documents, illegally applying a standardization mark to non-compliant commodities, and using misleading labels in the sale of fertilizer. 

They also presented evidence showing that Ngetich and Matiri abused their offices at NCPB by improperly granting benefits to Kimani through the execution of agency contracts.

Former NCPB Managing Director, Joseph Muna Kimote, was, however, acquitted for lack of evidence.

The case is scheduled for mention on October 16, 2025, to confirm the defence’s position.