The government has escalated its investigation into the fake fertilizer scandal by suspending eight Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) officials.
Reports indicate that these officials are accused of issuing certification and quality marks to two companies implicated in the distribution of sub-standard fertilizer.
Additional officials suspected to be involved in the scandal are also slated for questioning as detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) strive to unravel the truth behind the matter.
The decision to suspend these officials follows a directive from the Ministry of Agriculture mandating the suspension and confiscation of counterfeit fertilizer distributed under the subsidy program.
The Ministry confirmed that fertilizers distributed by KEL Chemicals under the brands Kelphos Plus, Kelphos Gold, and NPK 10:26:10 failed to meet required test parameters.
This affected consignment was reportedly distributed by KEL Chemicals between March 5th and 10th, 2024.
In a statement, the Ministry announced the immediate suspension of KEL Chemicals’ operations and the seizure of its fertilizer products, following the release of test results by KEBS.
The Ministry strongly advised farmers who have acquired or possess fertilizer from KEL Chemicals to discontinue its use and seek guidance from their nearest National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) facility.
These findings have prompted Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi to reverse his earlier stance, where he had denied reports of fake fertilizer. Linturi has now called for expedited investigations into the matter, which has instilled fear among farmers.
