Officials from the county government of Nandi detailed how brokers are masquerading as farmers to access subsidised fertiliser.
These individuals were accused of selling the fertiliser at a higher price to the farmers.
According to reports, the brokers flood the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots and stores across the county buying the fertiliser.
Consequently, this leads to a shortage of fertiliser available for genuine farmers.
Following the numerous reported incidents, Nandi County Commissioner Herman Shambi ordered all Nyumba Kumi officials and village elders to oversee the registration of genuine farmers to the subsidy scheme.
"All chiefs in the six sub-counties must implement the government's directive and have farmers registered and ensure they receive fertiliser, while ensuring brokers are kicked out," Sambi directed.
He further warned all those found impersonating registered farmers to get the subsidised fertiliser.
Sambi stated that the county security officials will arrest the con artists planning to benefit from the subsidy program.
"Our security team has sent information to various religious organisations to help share the relevant information," he assured.
On Wednesday, January 4, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi launched a nationwide farmers' registration exercise.
According to the CS, the move was aimed at streamlining the distribution of subsidised fertiliser while informing the creation of important agricultural policies.
"With this, we will be able to have accurate data on the number of farmers in the country and serve them through the subsidy program," Linturi informed.
In September 2022, the government announced the lowering of fertilsier prices from Ksh6,500 to Ksh3,500 per 50kg bag, in a bid to cushion farmers from the costs of farm inputs.
