KEBS Boss Reveals New Twist in Fertiliser Scandal
KEBS Boss Reveals New Twist in Fertiliser Scandal
KEBS Boss Reveals New Twist in Fertiliser Scandal
Tensions in the ongoing dispute surrounding the sale of allegedly counterfeit fertilizer increased as the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) denied claims that it was involved in testing the goods supplied under President William Ruto’s subsidy program.
KEBS CEO Esther Njeri maintained the bureau’s non-involvement during her appearance before the Senate Standing Committee on the Distribution of Fake Fertilizer on Friday, April 19, in contrast to earlier claims made by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi.
Njeri emphasized, “KEBS was not involved at all in the entire tendering and procurement process of the fertiliser under the subsidy program.”
Ten days ago, CS Linturi made accusations that KEBS was responsible for the market’s distribution of inferior fertilizer. These accusations prompted the hearing.
Though he distinguished between “fake” and “substandard” products, Linturi had told the Senate Agriculture Committee that KEBS was solely to blame. According to Linturi, “the fertiliser is not fake if the percentage of nutrients does not meet the required levels.”
According to Njeri, KEBS’s involvement was restricted to a request made on March 22 to confirm the quality of fertilizer sold under the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB). This request implies that KEBS had not previously participated in the testing procedures prior to this date.
After KEBS revealed earlier this month that 5,840 bags of counterfeit fertilizer had been seized across the country, the argument over the quality of fertilizer grew more heated. In contrast to the official story presented by the Agriculture Ministry, Linturi has acknowledged problems with 3,000 bags, 516 of which have been returned and are presently being tested by the Kenya Revenue Authority.
Eight KEBS officials have already been suspended as a result of the scandal, marking a dramatic turn of events. These people were placed under interdiction because it was purported that they had anything to do with the certification and quality marks that were given to two businesses associated with the inferior fertilizer.
With the extended rainy season rapidly approaching, President Ruto’s administration is unwavering in its resolve to provide farmers throughout the nation with 12.5 million bags of subsidized fertilizer.
Ruto announced a Ksh12 billion fertilizer subsidy program in August of last year with the intention of doing away with the intermediaries or “cartels” that were previously connected to the supply chain. “We have eliminated fertilizer brokers to have complete control over who receives them and how much,” Ruto said, emphasizing the government’s initiatives to guarantee efficiency and openness.
About 3.5 million 50 kg bags of subsidized fertilizer have been distributed in 41 of the 47 counties in the nation since the National Fertilizer Subsidy Programme (NFSP) began on July 30, 2023, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development.
In light of these disclosures, certain legislators are stepping up their investigation and demanding more accountability; they are specifically focusing on CS Mithika Linturi.
