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Ruto calls for arrest of culprits distributing fake fertilisers

President William Ruto during an impromptu visit to the NCPB Eldoret Depot on April 8, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

By Eastleigh Voice Reporter | Monday, April 8, 2024

The President spoke after making an impromptu visit to the National Cereal and Produce Board in Eldoret where he called for the fast distribution of fertiliser.

President William Ruto has waded into the ongoing fake fertiliser saga.

The Head of State on Monday vowed that his government will deal with those behind the distribution of fake fertilisers.

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“Those behind the illicit trade will be arrested and prosecuted,” Ruto said.

The President spoke after making an impromptu visit to the National Cereal and Produce Board in Eldoret where he called for the fast distribution of fertiliser.

“I have directed the management of NCPB across the country to speed up distribution of subsidised fertiliser,” Ruto said.

President William Ruto during an impromptu visit to the NCPB Eldoret Depot on April 8, 2024. (Photo: PCS)

Last week, the Ministry of Agriculture directed the National Cereals and Produce Board to replace all the substandard fertilisers that were distributed to farmers as it escalated the probe into the fake fertiliser scandal.

Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Ronoh confirmed plans for thorough scrutiny of the entire fertiliser supply chain warning of tough legal action against those found culpable.

"We are going to replace the fertiliser with the right fertiliser because it is under investigation for the farmers who have used the fertilisers already we have also analysed the missing component in those fertilisers which shall be addressed by top dressing fertilisers," he said.

His remarks came after the government suspended the operations of KEL chemicals and seized its fertiliser products following a report by KEBS that confirmed that it did not meet the required quality standards.

On Saturday, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations proceeded to summon businessman Josiah Kimani Kariuki, the director of SBL Innovate Manufacturers Limited, to answer queries over the fertiliser saga. Earlier, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi urged farmers to ignore reports about fake fertiliser.