Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi has asked the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to reveal names of suppliers linked to the recent fake fertilizer scandal.
Speaking at a church fundraising event in Bomet County on Sunday, March 31, Mudavadi said NCPB should not delay any further in revealing the culprits to face the full wrath of the law.
“We are telling the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), you should not delay anymore because you know very well which consignment was brought in by who and to be precise, when. Kenyans do not want stories because the answer lies with you NCPB,” Mudavadi said.
Mudavadi stated that the government will not relent in its quest to comprehensively investigate the matter adding that the culprits will be brought to book and face full force of the law.
The Prime CS remarks on the matter came amid public outcry in various regions in relation to the fertilizer saga.
Protect Framers from Cartels
He noted that farmers and those in food production chain must be protected from cartels and ill-motivated brokers from their dubious dealings that cost the country a fortune in the sector.
“I am speaking directly to the ears and facing the eyes of those culpable, that we will make sure the law follows these people so that they are charged in a court of law and prosecuted for them not to bring messes in the food security area,” Mudavadi said.
“The government cannot be putting in place constructive and progressive policies and plans as part of its agenda then someone with some malicious motives sneaks in fake fertilizer in the name of doing business, yet he is spoiling all the gains we have made.”
Also Read: Mudavadi Mounts Pressure on Govt Officials
Mudavadi Calls for Action to Prevail
The Prime CS cautioned against individuals attempting to deceive government officials with outdated briefcases, urging vigilance among public officers.
He urged thorough background checks on such unscrupulous individuals and entities to identify and expose them.
The CS cautioned that areas with sensitive and essential commodities like food production, health, energy, and education that drive the economy and prosperity of the nation should never be compromised by individuals out to use short-cuts and tricks to derail the governments progress.
“The government is keen on this aspect and soon I want to assure Kenyans this whole story about the fake fertilizer, you will see for yourselves the consequences,” the CS said.
Also Read: Govt Takes Action After Uproar Over Fake Fertilizer
Fake Fertilizer Seized
On March 19, 2024, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kakamega County confiscated 700 bags of counterfeit fertilizer from a depot located in Malava.
Similarly, on March 23, 2024, detectives in Nakuru County seized 560 bags of suspected fake fertilizer worth Sh1.4 million intended for delivery to Molo NCPB stores.
Subsequently, the Kenya National Bureau of Standards (KEBS) initiated a recall of all fertilizer brands distributed by SBL company and revoked their standardization marks after a report uncovered unethical trading practices by the said manufacturer.
The government on March 27 suspended the distribution of the NPK 10:26:10 fertilizer manufactured by Ken Chemical Ltd on grounds of not meeting the required standards and specifications.
