The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission officials and police are investigating at least 80 people accused of fertiliser theft at the National Cereals and Produce Board.
Board chairman Col (Rtd) Geoffrey King’ang’i yesterday said this is after a task force formed in May to investigate the adulteration and repackaging of the fertiliser released its findings.
He said 43 staff members, including 22 top officials are being probed. The officials were suspended by Agriculture PS Richard Lesiyampe in May. King’ang’i said the findings show that officials colluded with county extension officers and chiefs to repackage the fertiliser.
The fertiliser was later sold to unsuspecting farmers in areas such as Karatina, Nanyuki, Nakuru, Eldama Ravine, Kitale, Kisumu, Changamwe, Kobujoi, Turbo, Thika, Meru, Mosoriot, Kithimani, Kilgoris and Enoosaen.
“The 80 people are from 16 locations where the irregularities occurred,” King’ang’i said. The fertiliser stolen included 137,000 metric tonnes (2.8 million bags of 50 kg).
The fertiliser was being distributed through the NCPB stores but thousands of these bags were stolen and sold to businessmen.