Kenya is staring down a potential food crisis after a parliamentary probe uncovered massive financial mismanagement, governance failures, and rotting grain stocks at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).
The Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture (PIC-SSAA), chaired by Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, has condemned the NCPB for what lawmakers called “systemic governance failures” that threaten the country’s food security and public trust.
A report by the Auditor-General flagged over Ksh 2 billion in unsupported expenditures for the 2017/2018 financial year alone.
The audit also cited misreported assets, poor internal controls, and questionable procurement practices.
“These are not just bookkeeping errors. They point to systemic weaknesses that have left the Board vulnerable to abuse,” said Nominated MP Kosgei during a tense committee session.
NCPB Sinking Under Debt
Among the findings is a failed maize procurement deal that ended in arbitration and left the NCPB with significant financial losses and pending bills.
Also Read: Equity Bank Takes Over Swafi Foods Limited
Compounding the crisis, farmers who delivered maize to the NCPB more than a decade ago have yet to be paid.
“The situation has reached a point where farmers who delivered maize years ago are still waiting for payment. This is unacceptable,” said Emmanuel Wangwe.
The audit also uncovered unclear ownership of storage facilities and land worth over Ksh 54 million, stock shortages, and grain quality lapses due to poor verification and prolonged storage.
Lawmakers accused the Agriculture Ministry of failing in its oversight role, citing its absence during critical stock-taking exercises.
Rotting Maize in Silos
Further scrutiny revealed that the Board owes billions to maize farmers, fertilizer suppliers, and even the Kenya Revenue Authority with some debts dating back more than 20 years.
The government also owes the NCPB large amounts, which have remained unpaid for nearly two decades, worsening its liquidity crisis.
Also Read: Parliament Opens Lucrative Tenders, Including Chopper Services [FULL LIST]
“Maize is rotting in silos due to poor planning, yet we are told the NCPB is safeguarding food security,” said Ndhiwa MP Owino.
“This is a betrayal of farmers and consumers alike.”
The crisis intensified after the government disbanded the Strategic Food Reserve Board and transferred its mandate to the NCPB without proper funding or institutional support.
The committee has now called for urgent structural reforms, including stronger financial controls, transparent asset management, and immediate government action to settle outstanding payments.
“The Kenyan people deserve better. The time for excuses is over. We want action, not promises,” said Wangwe.
With the short rains season approaching and food inflation already affecting millions, lawmakers warn that unless the NCPB is overhauled, the country could face dire consequences.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates.
