Senators warn Sh10 billion debt threatens NCPB operations ahead of harvest
Fertiliser distribution to local stores was launched last year, but the board has yet to receive payment for the services rendered.
Senators have raised alarm over a Sh10 billion debt the government owes the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), warning it could disrupt operations and harm farmers just as the harvest season begins.
The Senate Agriculture Committee said fertiliser distribution to farmers has already been carried out, but NCPB has not been paid for the work, leaving the board struggling to meet its obligations.
More To Read
- Audit exposes fake firms, unsafe inputs and lost billions in Ruto's fertiliser subsidy plan
- 7,000 bags of fertiliser looted from NCPB's Maua depot during June 25 protests - Agriculture CS Mutahi Kagwe
- Government releases 200,000 bags of subsidised maize to millers to stabilise flour prices
- Increased awareness of fertiliser subsidy programme fuelling demand, CS Kagwe says
- 20,000 tonnes of fertiliser arrive at Mombasa port as planting season starts
- CS Kagwe says farmers to get subsidised fertiliser after logistical challenges resolved
Committee Chair David Wafula said in Eldoret on Monday that the government directed NCPB to deliver fertiliser closer to farmers, yet part of the bills remain unsettled.
“As the government gives directives to NCPB to take fertiliser deep down to villages, the national government has not footed part of their bills to NCPB,” Wafula said.
The senators warned that unless both national and county governments release the funds, NCPB may be unable to manage fertiliser distribution beginning in October or handle other harvest-season activities.
Fertiliser distribution to local stores was launched last year, but the board has yet to receive payment for the services rendered.
Wafula said the committee would seek answers from the Ministry of Agriculture and county governments over the unpaid debts. “Many counties have not paid their dues to NCPB, hence crippling the capacity of NCPB to roll out proper services,” he added.
The committee also criticised maize driers delivered to counties last year, observing that many are lying idle while those retained by NCPB are fully operational.
“As a committee, we will move to demand an explanation and swift action from the national government that purchased the dryers to ensure that they don’t remain idle. They must be turned into proper equipment to serve farmers,” Wafula said.
The Ministry of Agriculture had procured 15 mobile driers in maize-producing counties, including Trans Nzoia, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Elgeyo Marakwet, Nandi, Bungoma, Kakamega, West Pokot, Narok, Kericho, Migori, Bomet, Baringo, Nyandarua, and Laikipia, to reduce post-harvest losses and curb aflatoxin contamination.
Farmers were expected to pay Sh70 per 90-kg bag of maize to reduce moisture content to the recommended 13.5 per cent, while the ministry had promised that the machines would be brought close to their farms to avoid extra transport costs.
The senators further noted that the delayed merger between NCPB and the Strategic Food Reserve has created uncertainty among staff, leaving many unsure about their future.
Top Stories Today
