Authorities in Kakamega County, specifically from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, have seized a significant haul of 700 bags of counterfeit fertilizer from a storage facility in Malava.
Local farmers are expressing their frustration and suspicions towards the county government, alleging deceit and exploitation in the distribution of fertiliser.
One farmer lamented, “I came here on March 5 and bought 25 kilograms of the said fertilizer only to later hear that the farming input had been mixed with stones.
I hadn’t even used a single bag.”
In response to these allegations, DCI detectives have collected samples from the confiscated bags for detailed analysis to ascertain the actual composition of the suspected fraudulent fertilizer.
Reports indicate that similar incidents are arising across the nation, with farmers encountering lengthy queues at various depots in pursuit of government-subsidized fertilizer amid reported scarcities.
Chekalini Ward MCA, Titus Kwoma, highlighted the price disparities, stating, “25 kilograms of this county fertilizer are being sold at Ksh.1,920.
A 50-kilogram fertiliser bag from the county government on the other hand goes for Ksh.2,500. You can see where the difference is.”
Despite accusations and public outcry, the County Government has defended its product, attributing the discrepancies to regional politics.
Benjamin Adama, the County’s CEC Agriculture, defended, “Our fertilizer was tailor-made, our technical team led by my director farm inputs moved around and we tested our soils in different forms and we learned that it’s important for our people to get tailor-made fertilizer.”
However, Kakamega County Assembly members have raised concerns over the alleged exploitation of farmers, demanding accountability and punitive action against those implicated in the scandal.
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