MPs Investigate Alleged Fertilizer Scam at Kakamega NCPB Depot

KAKAMEGA—Members of Parliament Jared Okelo from Nyando and Geoffrey Makokha Odanga from Matayos visited the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot in Kakamega to investigate reports of substandard fertilizer distribution.

According to Kenya News Agency, both members of the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock, their visit included meetings with NCPB staff and discussions with local farmers who expressed concerns about the fertilizer’s quality. The MPs collected fertilizer samples during their depot tour, which will be tested by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and other private laboratories to verify their quality.

During a media briefing following the tour, Okelo outlined the committee’s plan to introduce legislative measures based on their findings. He announced that within three weeks, they expect to propose a bill in Parliament to address the issues uncovered by their investigation. Okelo emphasized the impact of the substandard fertilizer on agriculture, noting discolored maize crops and other damaged produce as direct consequences of the fertilizer’s poor quality.

Okelo also highlighted the broader implications of such economic sabotage, stating, “We have an agenda for food security in our country, and when we have economic saboteurs like what we witnessed here, it goes against that wider vision. We must be food sufficient going forward.”

Odanga, in his remarks, called for government compensation for the farmers affected by the fake fertilizer, covering their transportation costs and time lost due to delayed planting. He added that they are coordinating with the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS), KEBS, and other quality assurance agencies to assess not only the fertilizers but also other consumable goods.

Kakamega Senator Dr. Boni Khalwale, who accompanied the MPs, urged the National Assembly to support farmers in seeking justice, warning of the potential for high food prices if crop yields are compromised. He criticized the governance system that allowed individuals of “questionable character” to assume roles that jeopardize public welfare.

Additionally, James Etabale, Member of County Assembly for Kisa North Ward and chairman of the Agriculture committee in the county assembly, mentioned their parallel investigation to ascertain if the fertilizer supplied by the County Government met quality standards. Etabale noted that samples had been sent to KEPHIS, KEBS, and the government chemist for analysis, with results pending.