By Antynet Ford
The Agriculture Cabinet Secretary and his Trade counterpart are expected to appear before the Senate committee next week on the ongoing probe into the circulation of fake fertilizer.
The senate committee on Agriculture summoned CSs Miano and Linturi plus officials from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), National Environment Management Authority (NEMA), and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) to explain why fake fertilizer was distributed in government depots.
Kirinyaga Senator James Murango who chairs the committee said the committee will visit several counties including Murang’a, Kirinyaga, Embu, Laikipia, Nandi, Homabay, Nakuru, and Kakamega to bring the perpetrators to book.
The senator said those involved will be prosecuted.
“Individuals linked to the scam will be prosecuted.” He said.
Murango advised farmers in the country to keep vouchers and text messages they received after buying the alleged fertilisers from NCPB.
Farmers in the country have been counting losses from the fake fertilizer bought in NCPB depots.
Farmers who bought the fertilizer from NCPB depots in Sagana and Embu want the government to compensate them.
Over 10 farmers in Mugamba Ciura, who bought the fake fertilizers at Embu depot said the it was filled with goat waste, sand, and stones.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has so far refuted claims of counterfeit subsidized fertilizer amid outcry from the farmers.
