Questions have emerged on the whereabout of 34,000 tonnes of fertilizer donated to Kenya by the Russian government.
A section of Kenyans online including leaders like Kabando wa Kabando on Wednesday, August 2 shared a video on social media where President Vladimir Putin mentioned Kenya among the countries who benefitted from the fertilizer donation.
In his address during the Russia-Africa summit in St. Petersburg, Putin reported that Kenya and Malawi were the first beneficiary of the fertilizers, adding that more countries could soon join the list.
Moreover, the Russian Embassy in Kenya through a tweet on Thursday, August 3 confirmed the donation.
However, they explained that the donated fertilizer was being reformulated before being released to Kenyan farmers.
Also Read: Ruto Slashes Fertilizer Prices by Ksh.1,000
“More than 34,000 tonnes of fertilizer donated to Kenya by the Russian Uralchem-Uralkali Group are now being reformulated to produce 100,200 tonnes of fertilizer. This will help Kenya a lot to get a good harvest this year.” The tweet reads.
Nonetheless, government critics have raised questions on the donated fertilizer claiming it is the same one the state is selling to Kenyans at subsidized rate instead of donating it to farmers as required by Russia.
“Kenyans, listen from minute 14, President PUTIN says RUSSIA gave Kenya 34,000 metric tonnes of FREE FERTILIZER. Question: Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development where is the donation?” Former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando posed.
Furthermore, the Russian president while addressing African leaders at the summit stated that the fertilizer was supposed to be distributed to farmers for free.
This further raises questions as to where the 34,000 tonnes of donated fertilizer went.
Similarly, Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Communications Director Phillip Etale asked about the whereabouts of the fertilizer.
“So, President Putin donated over 30,000 metric tones of free fertilizer to Kenya… and he insists it should have been provided to farmers free of charge… listen from minute 14 of his long speech.” He stated.
Also Read: President Ruto’s Full Speech on Interventions in Agriculture
Ruto Announces Drop in Fertilizer Prices
Nevertheless, these questions on the whereabouts of the donated fertilizer came after President William Ruto on Wednesday, August 2 announced a drop in the prices of fertilizers.
The president said a bag of fertilizer will be sold at Ksh. 2500 from the previous Ksh. 3,500.
“Since fertilizer is the game changer of agricultural productivity, this should translate to higher production in the next planting season.” President Ruto stated.
