Update Friday, April 12: The Ministry of Agriculture has immediately revoked the trading licence of KEL Chemicals.
This decision comes after allegations surfaced that the Thika-based company provided substandard fertilisers to farmers as part of the government's fertiliser subsidy programme.
The revocation followed a detailed inspection by Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, who visited the company's production facilities on Friday.
During his visit, Linturi reviewed the processes of manufacturing, mixing, packaging, and distribution of the fertiliser provided to farmers nationwide.
"I want to confirm that we have withdrawn the licence of KEL Chemicals, and this facility is now designated as a crime scene. No operations will continue here until the investigation into this matter is concluded," Linturi announced.
The government has confirmed the presence of fake fertiliser being distributed to farmers in the country.
The confirmation made on Friday, April 5, came amid double-speak and confusion over the presence and distribution of substandard fertiliser.
The Ministry of Agriculture, while confirming the presence of the substandard fertiliser, issued a directive urging farmers to cease using three fertilizer brands supplied by KEL Chemicals following failed tests conducted by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
In a statement released on Friday, Kilimo House stated, "All fertilizers being distributed meet the required quality requirements except those manufactured and distributed by KEL Chemicals branded Kelphos Plus, Kelphos gold, and NPK 10:26:10, which did not meet all required test parameters."
Following Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi's initial dismissal of allegations surrounding the quality of fertiliser distribution as mere propaganda, the government has now confirmed the substandard nature of the fertiliser.
Despite Linturi's previous stance defending the integrity of the distribution process, subsequent developments have necessitated a re-evaluation of the situation.
The confirmation of substandard fertiliser distribution comes in the wake of a directive issued by the National Development Implementation Committee (NDIC) on Friday, March 29.
Chaired by Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi, the committee convened for its inaugural meeting of the year, expressing concern over the matter.
In response, the NCPB was instructed to halt further distribution pending the conclusion of investigations.
"As a precautionary measure, the NCPB has been directed to suspend further distribution of fertiliser until the investigation is concluded and a report is provided," the committee stated in a press release, pointing to the government's commitment to upholding agricultural standards and supporting farmers nationwide.
Moreover, the NDIC affirmed its determination to hold accountable those found guilty of wrongdoing.
"The National Government reiterates its support for the farmers of our great nation to improve farm yields," the committee reiterated, emphasising the importance of transparency and accountability in agricultural practices.
Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura addressed the allegations during a press briefing at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC) on Thursday, April 3.
Mwaura disclosed that investigations were underway to identify individuals responsible for the manufacture and distribution of the alleged fake fertiliser. Samples tested by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) indicated discrepancies in the supplied fertiliser not aligned with the subsidy programme.
"May I explain that investigations are ongoing, over the allegations of fake fertilizer supplies to farmers to nail down those behind the scam," Mwaura stated, highlighting the government's proactive approach in addressing the issue.
Mwaura clarified that the flagged fertiliser, marketed under the GPC brand, was not part of the subsidised programme facilitated by NCPB.
He emphasised that all fertilisers distributed under the Government Subsidised Programme are clearly labelled and marked to prevent confusion.
Calls for the apprehension and prosecution of those involved in the sale and distribution of counterfeit fertiliser have intensified.
Journalist John Allan Namu, Co-founder of Africa Uncensored that broke the story on fake fertilisers, has criticised the handling of the matter question why the government is handling it as a public relations disaster while as it affects food security.
“My real and very deep concern with this issue is that it is being handled as a PR disaster not a food security disaster which is what it is. Public Relations is one thing but you cannot public relations your way out of something as serious as a food security crisis,” he stated in an interview with Citizen TV on April 4.
