The Government Spokesperson, Isaac Mwaura, has clarified how 33,835 metric tonnes of fertiliser raw materials donated by Russia to Kenya were used, following concerns by members of the public.
Addressing the press on Wednesday, April 16, Mwaura clarified that the government received 40,000 metric tonnes of fertiliser raw materials from the Russian government.
He went on to add that the fertiliser raw materials were locally blended into over 2 million bags of fertiliser and later sold to farmers at subsidised prices.
Mwaura stated that to make the fertiliser more affordable, the government subsidised each 50kg bag at Ksh2,500, resulting in total savings of Ksh2 billion for farmers across the country.
Mwaura said that the fertiliser was distributed at affordable prices to support key crops such as maize, tea, and rice under the National Fertiliser Subsidy Programme (NFSP).
"Clarification: What happened to the 33,835 metric tonnes of fertiliser raw materials donated by Russia to Kenya? Russia donated 33,835 metric tonnes of raw materials, which were locally blended into over 2 million bags of fertilisers for maize, tea and rice," he stated.
“These donations were handed to some companies and then resold to the government at market rates, pocketing billions,” the government spokesperson added.
In addition to the Russian donation, Algeria also contributed 16,000 metric tonnes of urea, which was used to produce 561,000 bags of top-dressing fertiliser.
Mwaura said that the fertiliser donation from the North African nation was blended with lime to help improve soil health, saving farmers another Ksh729 million.
"The government subsidised each 50kg bag at Ksh 2,500, saving farmers Ksh 2 billion. Algeria donated 16,000 metric tonnes of urea, producing 561,000 bags of top-dressing fertiliser blended with lime to improve soil health," he explained.
This clarification follows allegations by the former Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, that the government sold the fertiliser donation meant for distribution to farmers.
According to Gachagua, the Russian fertiliser was donated to Kenya, rebranded, and then sold to Kenyan farmers at inflated prices.
