In response to concerning reports implicating KEL Chemicals Factory in Thika town in the production of counterfeit fertiliser, the government has taken decisive action by suspending operations at the facility.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi made the announcement on Saturday, revealing that the company’s license has been revoked pending thorough investigations into the alleged distribution of fake fertiliser to farmers.
Declaring the factory premises a crime scene, CS Linturi assured the public that no public funds would be compromised in light of the reported scam.
“The government has revoked the manufacturing license for KEL Chemicals while investigations are ongoing,” stated CS Linturi.
Furthermore, CS Linturi emphasized that payments to KEL for the supplied bags of fertiliser would be withheld until the conclusion of the investigation. The blending plant responsible for fertiliser production has been shuttered and designated a crime scene pending further inquiry.
KEL company officials acknowledged a production error, admitting to the manufacturing of 3,000 bags of counterfeit fertiliser between March 5 and March 10, 2023.
General Manager Chandrabhan Chimurkahh attributed the issue to a disruption in the production process during that period, prompting internal investigations and the recall of the affected bags.
Mr. Chimurkahh clarified that efforts were underway to trace and retrieve the contaminated bags, with the Kenya Revenue Authority already identifying 516 bags for testing by relevant government authorities.
While expressing willingness to cooperate with the investigation, KEL Chemicals’ closure of its powder section has resulted in job losses for 150 out of the 275 employees.
The government’s actions come in the wake of a directive from the Ministry of Agriculture mandating the mandatory testing of all fertilisers distributed to farmers nationwide.
Samples of Kelphos Plus, Kelphos Gold, and NPK fertilisers from KEL Chemicals were found to fall below required standards during testing by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
CS Linturi reiterated the government’s commitment to providing farmers with quality agricultural inputs and ensuring food security remains a top priority. Efforts are underway to prevent future issues with fertiliser that could jeopardize crop production.
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