CS Linturi Changes Tune on Fake Fertiliser, Issues New Directive

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has changed his tune over the presence of fertiliser in the country.

Days after he denied reports of fake fertiliser in the country blaming the Opposition for spreading the news, Linturi has now called on a probe into the matter. 

Speaking in Meru County on Sunday, March 31, he blamed shadowy individuals who claimed were battling to win supply bids.

"Our investigative agencies are trying to establish this story that we are hearing about fake fertiliser which has not reached my desk and I am not aware of it," Linturi stated. 

Previously, Linturi had denied the existence of counterfeit fertiliser and insisted that the government is supplying certified and standard fertiliser through its subsidised programme.

"There is no fake subsidised fertiliser being sold in the market. The government is supplying quality and standard fertiliser to farmers across the country," Linturi said.

"Our farmers should desist from physical observation of fertiliser and making assumptions of its quality; those individuals doubting the quality of the fertiliser should avail it to laboratories for assessments," he added.

However, Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi fired a warning signal, stating that the government will not relent in its quest to get to the bottom of the matter.

“We are telling the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), you should not delay anymore because you know very well when you follow the supply and distribution chain properly, which consignment was brought in by who and to be precise, when. Kenyans do not want stories because the answer lies with you NCPB,” Mudavadi firmly said.

"The country has enough fertiliser. I have been to this depot here and there is enough fertiliser that I have seen," the CS affirmed.