Senate committee initiates probe into fake fertiliser syndicate

The committee, which summoned Africa Uncensored over an exposé it conducted, criticised government agencies for negligence and announced plans for committee members to visit all affected counties to hear from farmers firsthand

"The investigation into the fake fertilizer syndicate by the Senate committee comes as pressure mounts on the government over the supply of fake fertilizer that has led to outcry among farmers, questioning the government’s commitment to food security, one of its key agendas," said James Murango, Committee Chairperson and Kirinyaga County Senator.

Members of the committee were astonished by revelations from whistleblowers, Africa Uncensored, who investigated the fake fertilizer supply. 

They questioned how the web of the fertilizer syndicate escaped the attention of authorities," said Enock Wambua, Senator from Kitui County. 

Similar sentiments were echoed by Samson Cheragei, Senator from Nandi County, and Dan Maanzo, Senator from Makueni County.

Recently, farmers across maize-growing areas expressed concern over the quality of the fertilizer in distribution, despite a robust defense mounted by the government.

 On Sunday, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi called for an investigation, putting state agencies involved in the scandal on notice.

"The revelations before the Senate committee come as farmers lament over the loss of funds they used to procure fertilizer, a scandal that may leave a dent on the government’s food security agenda, and one of the key pillars in its manifesto," noted Murango.

The committee has summoned the Kenya Bureau of Standards, the National Cereals and Produce Board, and called on the Auditor General to initiate a forensic audit of the fake fertilizer syndicate. 

The committee said those found culpable will be prosecuted.