The Ministry of Agriculture has directed the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to suspend the distribution of the NPK 10:26:10 fertiliser which is manufactured by Ken Chemical Limited.
According to letter by Agriculture PS Kipronoh Ronoh to NCPB Managing Director Joseph Kimote and seen by nairobileo.co.ke, the NPK 10:26:10 fertiliser does not meet the required standards.
PS Rono also directed NCPB to carry out investigations to ascertain the specifications of the suspended fertiliser.
“Following a spot visit by Ministry staff led by the Principal Secretary to Counties and National Cereals and Produce Board stores, it was established that the above fertilizer being distributed under the subsidy programme may not be meeting the required standards as earlier indicated.
“Your institution is requested to suspend the distribution of this fertiliser with immediate effect from being issued to farmers. Additionally, you are required to carry out an investigation to ascertain the specifications of this fertilizer before being re-introduced the programme,” the letter read in part.
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The agriculture PS noted that if the fertiliser is found not to be of quality, the supplier would be penalized and meet the full cost.
The directive comes after farmers raised concerns over the quality of subsidsised fertiliser being distributed by the government.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives last week nabbed counterfeit fertilisers in Baringo and Nakuru Counties.
On March 20, President William Ruto issued a warning to suppliers selling fertilisers to farmers saying the government would deal with them.
“We are also going to ensure that those who sell fake seeds of fake fertilisers face the music that they deserve. Just today we have arrested some of the characters who want to take advantage of our fertilizer supply and programme and we have many more in court because we must eliminate corruption,” Ruto stated.
