- The President said that the company involved in the fake fertiliser should compensate farmers
- Ruto directed the management of NCPB across the country to speed up the distribution of subsidised fertilizer.
President William Ruto now wants farmers who were issued with fake fertiliser compensated. https://rb.gy/20ia9w
Image: PCS
President William Ruto now wants farmers who were issued with fake fertiliser compensated.
Speaking on Monday, the President said that the company involved in the fake fertiliser should compensate farmers
Ruto assured farmers that the government has enough fertiliser for them.
"Every farmer will get the correct fertiliser. Those few people who want to take advantage of food production, the company that was involved, should compensate farmers who bought fake fertiliser and they should be given new fertilisers free of charge," he said.
He said the government will further reduce fertiliser prices to benefit farmers.
Ruto was speaking when he attended the commissioning of Cemtech Limited Clinker Plant, West Pokot.
Earlier, the President made an impromptu visit to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) Eldoret Depot.
Ruto directed the management of NCPB across the country to speed up the distribution of subsidised fertilizer.
The Head of State further said that fraudsters selling fake fertiliser will be prosecuted.
The President issued a stern warning to the individuals involved saying those behind the illicit trade would be arrested and prosecuted.
Ruto underscored the government's commitment to safeguarding the agricultural sector and protecting farmers from fraudulent practices.
At least eight senior officials at the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KeBS) have been suspended over the fake fertiliser fiasco.
They will be detained pending the ongoing probe into the matter by Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives and Parliament.
Officials said the eight were interdicted over the issuance of certification and marks of quality to two companies, which have been linked to the sub-standard fertiliser.
The eight were among those grilled by the DCI on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Detectives have summoned for grilling several officials from government agencies that handled the fake fertiliser in circulation.
Officials from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) are expected at the DCI headquarters, Kiambu Road for grilling.
Officials said they had summoned all those bearing responsibility for the acquisition and supply of the fertiliser.
The DCI after completing the investigation will forward the file to the DPP.
On Friday, the Ministry of Agriculture said they had completed the testing on all fertilisers being distributed under the subsidy programme.
A statement said all fertilisers being distributed meet the required quality requirements except those manufactured and distributed by one company.