Gov’t Confirms Presence of Fake Fertiliser Amid Confusion.
Gov’t Confirms Presence of Fake Fertiliser Amid Confusion: A now clear double speak, Gov’t Confirms Presence of Fake Fertiliser and fired one supplier.
This comes after Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi refuted claims that distribution of the fertilizer was mere propaganda. The government has now confirmed the substandard nature of the fertiliser.
NDIC wrote. “As a precautionary measure, the NCPB has been directed to suspend further distribution of fertiliser until the investigation is concluded and a report is provided. The National Government reiterates its support for the farmers of our great nation to improve farm yields,”
The government confirmed the suspending KEL Chemicals, a key supplier to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) subsidy programme.
Principal Secretary Dr Kipronoh Ronoh, in a letter to NCPB Managing Director Joseph Kimote dated March 27, specifically instructed the suspension of NPK 10:26:10 fertiliser.
He stated, “Field inspections conducted by top ministry officials revealed that the fertiliser supplied by the firm under the subsidy programme fails to meet required standards,”
This comes moments after government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura clarified that the flagged fertiliser, marketed under the GPC brand, was not part of the subsidised programme facilitated by NCPB.
The pioneer of this story, Journalist John Allan Namu, Co-founder of Africa Uncensored has criticised the handling of the matter while raising questions on why the government is handling it as a PR Stunts while it affects food security.
He stated, “My real and very deep concern with this issue is that it is being handled as a PR disaster not a food security disaster which is what it is. Public Relations is one thing but you cannot public relations your way out of something as serious as a food security crisis.”
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