The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested three suspects with stolen bags of suspected subsidized fertilizer which was in transit to another country in an operation against fertilizer theft.
DCI in a statement on April 16, 2024, said that the operation was part of an initiative launched following increased cases of theft of Government subsidized fertilizer from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots by suspects who then sneak it out of the country.
The detectives announced that its Operations Support Unit (OSU) intercepted and recovered 739 bags of assorted brands of the fertilizer at Baraka shop cereal store within Matisi market along the Kitale-Endebess road.
“DCI Operations Support Unit (OSU) deployed to curb the vice have successfully intercepted and recovered 739 bags of assorted brands of the fertilizer and arrested three suspects,” read part of the statement.
According to the detectives, the operation saw the fertilizer valued at Ksh1,847,500 seized while being prepared for transit to a neighboring country.
DCI recovers stolen bags
The assorted brands included 424 bags of Falcon CAN, 43 bags of Tupande, 98 bags of Mavuno, 71 bags of KEL Green NPK (50 kgs each), and 20 bags of NPSB-OCP.
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Other brands recovered include four bags of DAP-OCP, 26 bags of FOMI OTESHA, 34 bags of Simba Urea, 16 bags of FALCON Ammonia Sulphate and one bag of NAFAKA Plus weighing 50kg.
In addition, the detectives recovered delivery notes from NCPB Kitale, Malaba, Moi’s Bridge, Isiolo and Maua NCPB depots, whose authentication is underway.
“The scene has been processed by Crime Scene Investigators and all exhibits secured, as the three suspects await arraignment,” the statement adds.
This recovery of the stolen fertilizer reflects past concerns from some quarters about possible redirection of the fertilizer which was aimed at benefiting farmers in the country under the subsidy program.
President William Ruto while speaking in August 2023 warned officers in the Ministry of Agriculture against taking advantage of the program.
Ruto ordered all security agencies to be on the lookout and arrest any individual found re- packaging the subsidized product to sell to unsuspecting farmers.
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“We have put in place plans to ensure that all farmers get the fertilizer at affordable prices, this will help us lower the cost of living,” said the President.
Fake fertilizer
Also, the recovery comes at a time that the government through the Ministry of Agriculture has been defensive over the circulation of fake fertilizer in the country under the subsidy program.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi while appearing in an interview maintained that the government fertilizer flagged by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) was substandard and not fake.
Linturi defended his stance made during an earlier appearance before the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries, claiming that it only fell short of the agreed requirements of the macronutrients.
According to him, the percentage of Phosphorous, Nitrogen, and Potassium nutrients that fell short of the agreed standard did not mean that it was completely fake or useless.
“If we were to discuss the percentage, then, I would be in a position to respond and how we intend to remedy the situation. Fake is counterfeit…standards are set by the regulating bodies on any product that is being manufactured,” the CS said.
President Ruto while addressing the matter during a past event promised to ensure that farmers who bought fake fertilizer would be compensated.
He further warned that the government would deal with fraudsters trying to undermine its food production program by selling fake fertilizer.
