Kilimo House » Capital News
NAIROBI, Kenya, Apr 5 — Ministry of Agriculture says all fertilizer distributed under government subsidy programme meets the required quality standards except three brands manufactured and distributed by KEL Chemicals.
Kilimo House gave the position on Friday following tests conducted by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
The ministry said affected brands were distributed between March 5 and 10.
Consequently, Kilimo House ordered the suspension of KEL Chemicals operations, seizing its fertilizer products.
“The Government has further seized and impounded all fertilizer stocks distributed by KEL Chemicals at the National Cereals Produce Board (NCPB) facilities. This step is essential to control and mitigate any adverse effects on agricultural practices,” the ministry stated.
The ministry asked farmers in possession of the condemned fertilizers to stop its use immediately and visit the nearest NCPB store for guidance.
Kilimo House said KEBS had instituted legal action against KEL Chemicals for violating standards requirements.
“In line with ensuring public safety and maintaining quality standards, KEBS has initiated legal action against KEL Chemicals for distributing substandard products as per the Standards Act Cap 496.”
“This measure underscores the Government’s commitment to upholding stringent product quality and safety standards, ensuring accountability and safeguarding the agricultural sector and the wider public,” Kilimo House indicated.
The response by the Mithika Linturi-led ministry came a day after the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Agriculture served him yet another invitation to respond to concerns over the distribution of fake fertilizer.
The Committee slated Linturi to appear on April 8 after he failed to honour an earlier invitation on March 20.
Linturi is required to appear alongside Agriculture Principal Secretary Paul Rono, NCPB Managing Director Joseph Kimote and Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) Managing Director Theophilus Mutui.
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