State tightens checks as it seeks to eliminate fake fertiliser

The government has taken a strong stance against the proliferation of fake fertiliser in the market and called for immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved in the production and distribution.

Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh instructed police to go after what he called "fertiliser barons" in their hideouts.

The individuals, who he said are operating criminal enterprises related to fake fertiliser, have sought refuge in hospitals to evade arrest.

"When I said some of the criminals will disappear, I thought they would go out of the country but they have disappeared to the hospitals," Ronoh said.

Speaking on Friday when he flagged off the second consignment of 50,000 metric tons of subsidised fertiliser, Ronoh asked the DCI to go after the individuals who he said have booked beds in hospitals purporting to be ill.

"They should be flushed out of the hospitals to record statements, failure to which we shall go for them," he remarked.

The PS also emphasised the need for hospital managements to be vigilant to avoid harboring persons running away from accountability.

Ronoh said the one million bags of fertiliser he flagged off at the port of Mombasa will be accessible at the NCPB and last mile depots across the country.

He said farmers will access the consignment in the next two days at a cost of Sh 2,500 per 50kg bag.

To access it, one has to register with the e-voucher system by dialling *616*3#.

It is specifically for planting during this long rains season, the PS clarified.

The first consignment of 400,000 metric tonnes was distributed in January with at least four million farmers benefiting.

Also present during the event were principal secretaries Mohamed Daghar (Transport), Juma Mukhwana (Industry) and Abubakar Hassan (Investment).

Through a multi agency team, Ronoh noted, the Ministry will ensure farmers get the right quality fertilisers all the time.

The fertilisers are targeted for the 14 food chains including maize, potatoes, tea, pyrethrum, rice, coffee, among others acros 14 counties where farmers are planting the crops.