- Farmers who purchased counterfeit or low-quality fertilizer are encountering significant losses as Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi has yet to confirm a compensation plan, despite President William Ruto's instruction.
Farmers who purchased counterfeit or low-quality fertilizer are encountering significant losses as Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi has yet to confirm a compensation plan, despite President William Ruto's instruction.
Linturi informed the Senate Agriculture Committee investigating the issue that affected farmers would receive compensation for additional top-dressing fertilizer at an extra cost.
He emphasized that farmers must return the substandard fertilizer they acquired before Kel Chemicals can make any compensation adjustments.
Linturi informed the committee that out of the 3,000 bags of fertilizer distributed by Kel Chemicals, the nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels fell below agreed standards. However, the fertilizer was only partially useful.
By April 4, the government, through the NCPB, had distributed 2.4 million bags of fertilizer, with 11 companies contracted for distribution.
Linturi stated that if they can recover costs and settle debts with Kel Chemicals, farmers may receive free fertilizer; otherwise, a formula will be devised for farmers to obtain it at a reduced cost.
This sparked debate in the committee, with senators demanding that affected farmers receive compensation without additional charges. Chairman James Murango emphasized that compensation should not impose extra costs on farmers, as directed by the President last week.
Linturi emphasized that every farmer would receive the correct fertilizer, and Kel Chemicals should compensate farmers who bought fake fertilizer by providing them with new fertilizer at no cost.
Kel Chemicals delivered 69,070 bags to NCPB stores, of which 64,374 were sold, generating Sh170 million in revenue for the company. NCPB's managing director, Joseph Kimote, stated that quality control falls under the Kenya Bureau of Standards, and any issues with standards are the manufacturer's responsibility.
Linturi mentioned that his ministry lacks additional compensation funds, so the government would cover any shortfall in settling debts with Kel Chemicals. Although the ministry initially identified only 3,000 bags of substandard fertilizer, a Senate inspection revealed more potential cases, such as 4,680 bags in Nandi and Embu counties.
Linturi stated that payment to Kel Chemicals would be withheld until investigations are concluded. Senators questioned how substandard fertilizer entered NCPB stores and challenged Linturi's claim of only 3,000 affected bags, citing findings from their nationwide tour.
Kimote clarified NCPB's commercial relationship with SBL Manufacturers. At the same time, SBL's director, Josiah Kariuki, denied involvement in the fertilizer subsidy program attributed to him by John-Allan Namu, CEO of African Uncensored. Kariuki also stated that he has no factory at Kariandusi and that African Diatomite handles distribution under contract.
