State orders closure of KEL chemicals factory over substandard fertiliser supply

The government has ordered the immediate closure and withdrawal of the manufacturing licence of KEL Chemicals, citing the supply of substandard fertiliser.

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi announced the directive following a crackdown on the company for its failure to meet required test parameters.

"I want to confirm that we have withdrawn the licence for KEL chemicals and ordered its immediate closure. This area is now considered a crime scene with no operations until the investigations on this matter are completed," he said.

During his visit to the plant in Thika town, Linturi declared the area a crime scene, halting all operations until investigations were completed. He also stated that the government would withhold payment for bags already supplied by KEL Chemicals until the probe is concluded.

Linturi said the Ministry is committed to utilising all legal provisions to ensure that those engaging in malicious business practices, particularly those exploiting government-subsidised fertiliser programmes, face the full force of the law.

“Safeguarding the interests of our farmers is paramount, and we will spare no effort in fulfilling this duty,” he said.

The Ministry had urged farmers who had acquired or possessed fertiliser from KEL Chemicals to immediately discontinue its use and to visit their nearest NCPB facility for further guidance.

Some 516 bags already found have been taken by the Kenya Revenue Authority for tests to be conducted by the relevant government authorities.

President William Ruto has said farmers who were supplied with fake fertiliser must be fully compensated by those responsible.

Speaking in West Pokot County on Monday, President Ruto said all farmers, who have fallen victim to the fake KEL Chemicals fertiliser must be compensated.

He noted that the country has enough fertiliser, and all farmers will get the right fertiliser.

“Every farmer will get the right fertiliser, and the cartels that want to frustrate our production efforts will face the consequences. There is a company called KEL, and if any farmer has been supplied with their fake fertiliser, they must be fully compensated. The cartels must be held accountable,” he said.

“We had logistical challenges because of the war in Ukraine and had to divert supplies, and that has been resolved.”

Additionally, he reiterated that the government will deal with cartels selling fake fertiliser.

“We will deal with fraudsters who are trying to undermine our food production by selling fake fertiliser. I visited the NCPB depot in Eldoret to witness the distribution of fertiliser to farmers, and I am satisfied with the ongoing exercise,” he said.

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