- The government on April 5 suspended the distribution of three brands of fertiliser following the release of test results by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
- It followed uproar from farmers that some of the fertiliser acquired from National Cereals and Produce Boards depots contained stones and manure.
Image: EZEKIEL AMINGA
Senators on Thursday resorted to using their noses to ascertain the authenticity of different brands of fertilisers whose samples were brought to the floor of the House in an ongoing probe.
The samples were of three makes of fertiliser from a local manufacturer and distributor, which the government flagged on grounds that they failed to meet quality standards.
The distributor and his lawyers were present as senators took turns to physically examine the fertiliser samples.
Also present was Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi.
Senators were seen taking a keen look at the granules as some sniffed the samples.
In a statement on April 5, Linturi said the government had suspended distribution of the fertiliser following the release of test results by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
It followed uproar from farmers that some of the fertiliser acquired from National Cereals and Produce Board depots contained stones and manure.
Linturi said the government had seized and impounded all the fertiliser stocks it had flagged and advised farmers who had already purchased batches released between March 5-10, 2024, to immediately discontinue use and visit the nearest NCPB depot for further guidance.
“This step is essential to control and mitigate adverse effects on agricultural practices,” Linturi said.
While appearing before the Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture on April 8, Linturi said the government is committed to ensuring the Subsidized Fertiliser Programme was not exploited and pledged transparency and accountability.
“Over the years, wrong use of fertilisers has led to declining soil health, resulting in increased acidity. To address this, the government is keen on availing the semi-organic fertiliser, consisting of 50 per cent chemical and 50 per cent organic components,” the CS added.
Linturi vowed to collaborate with relevant entities to investigate reports of substandard fertiliser and provide assistance to affected farmers.
While suspending the three brands of fertiliser, the CS said the government is committed to enforcing strict compliance with safety and quality standards for all fertilizers being availed to farmers under the subsidy programme.
He said KEBS had initiated legal action against the distributor of the flagged batch of fertiliser in line with ensuring public safety and maintaining quality standards.
“This measure underscores the government’s commitment to upholding stringent product quality and safety standards, ensuring accountability and safeguarding the agricultural sector and the wider public,” Linturi said.