Government to take legal action against manufacturer of 'substandard fertiliser'

The government has officially confirmed the distribution of sub-standard fertilisers to farmers after conducting comprehensive testing on all fertilisers distributed under the subsidy programmes.

The Ministry of Agriculture, while vowing to take legal action, has stated that while the majority of fertilisers distributed under the subsidy programme meet the required quality standards, three brands manufactured and distributed by KEL Chemicals have fallen short. These brands include kelphos plus, kelphos gold, and NPK 10:26:10.

This announcement comes after tests were carried out by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the findings were shared by Kilimo House. As a result of these findings, KilimoHouse has taken decisive action by ordering the suspension of KEL Chemicals' operations and seizing its fertiliser products.

"The Government has further seized and impounded all fertiliser stocks distributed by KEL Chemicals at the National Cereals Produce Board (NCPB) facilities. This step is essential to controlling and mitigating any adverse effects on agricultural practices," the ministry stated.

The Ministry of Agriculture also says that it intends to initiate legal action against the manufacturer.

"In line with ensuring public safety and maintaining quality standards, KEBS has initiated legal action against KEL Chemicals for distributing substandard products as per the Standards Act Cap 496."

The Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, Mithika Linturi, had initially dismissed the allegations of sub-standard fertilisers as propaganda, despite the growing concerns raised by farmers nationwide.

However, in light of the directive issued by the National Development Implementation Committee (NDIC) on Friday, March 29, Linturi is now required to appear before Senators alongside other key officials. This includes Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Rono, NCPB Managing Director Joseph Kimote, and Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) Managing Director Theophilus Mutui.

Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) Chief Executive Officer, Esther Njeri Ngari, had also confirmed the presence of fake fertiliser at NCPB warehouses.

The government suspended the distribution of subsidised fertiliser in response to public outcry regarding quality concerns.

"The NDCI expressed concern regarding the public outcry about the fertiliser currently being distributed to farmers, given the significance of agriculture as one of the key pillars of the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). It was noted that investigations into this matter are currently underway," the dispatch read.

"As a precautionary measure, the NCPB has been directed to suspend the further distribution of fertiliser until the investigation is concluded and a report is provided," it added.

NDIC is mandated to oversee the implementation of all National Government programmes, policies, and projects and has the membership of all principal secretaries.