CS Linturi Orders These Gov't Workers to Report to Work During Easter Holiday

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has ordered a section of government workers to report to work during this Easter Holiday.

In a statement, CS Linturi directed workers attached to the National Cereals Produce Board (NCPB) to report to work on Friday and extend up to Easter Monday.

He also asked Kenya Seed workers to avail themselves for service delivery.

CS Linturi defended the move noting that it is key to allowing farmers to get legit seeds and other farm inputs during this planting season.

"I have this evening directed NCPB and Kenya Seed outlets countrywide to remain open during the Easter Holiday to facilitate our hard-working farmers' needs in the ongoing planting season," he stated.

"I also assure our farmers that all farm inputs at NCPB stores are tested and certified by our regulatory agencies," he added.

His directive follows complaints from some farmers over the circulation of fake fertiliser in the market.

Linturi had earlier refuted the claims of counterfeit state-issued subsidised fertiliser accusing the opposition of spreading the misleading reports.

The CS asserted that government fertilisers were scientifically tested and approved before circulation to Kenyan farmers, further advising them not to believe any hearsay on the same.

However, the National Assembly Public Investment Committee on Commercial Affairs and Energy directed the Office of the Auditor General to conduct an audit within one month which is set to recommend prosecution of individuals in the scandal.

“We need to know the batching mechanism for KEBS to ascertain are these people passive that the only give okay to manufacturers and leave it there. Is that the case, if so then we are doomed as Kenyans,” said Pokot South MP David Pkosing who chairs the committee.