The fake fertilizer scandal in Kenya has raised concerns about the quality and authenticity of agricultural products distributed to farmers, leading to investigations and calls for accountability. The scandal involves the distribution of substandard fertilizer under the government’s subsidy program, with allegations pointing towards various companies and government officials.
The National Assembly’s Committee on Agriculture is actively investigating the matter, focusing on companies that have been linked to the distribution of fake fertilizer. One such company, Kel Chemicals, has been at the center of the investigation, with senior management implicating senior government officials in the scandal. The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has suspended eight officials over the scandal, and there are calls for the arrest of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi for his alleged involvement in the scandal.
The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has announced plans to file a class action lawsuit against the government if it fails to compensate affected farmers within two weeks. The government, through the Ministry of Agriculture, has acknowledged the presence of fake fertilizer and instructed the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) to compensate farmers who received the substandard product.
The scandal has sparked widespread criticism, with various political figures and organizations calling for justice and accountability. Investigations are ongoing, and the government has pledged to take necessary actions to ensure the integrity of the agricultural sector and support farmers affected by the scandal.