Kel Chemicals COO Implicates Government Officials in Fake Fertilizer Scandal

Devesh Patel, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Kel Chemicals, appeared before the National Assembly's Agriculture Committee on April 18, 2024, and made serious allegations against high-ranking government officials in connection with the ongoing fake fertilizer scandal.

Patel claimed that he was coerced, unlawfully arrested, and forced to confess to producing counterfeit fertilizer after a meeting with officials from the Office of the President, Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), and the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).

During his testimony, Patel stated that Kel Chemicals had not entered into any contract with NCPB for the supply of the fertilizer in question. Instead, the tender was awarded to Mems Distributors Ltd, which subcontracted Kel Chemicals to manufacture the fertilizer. After securing KEBS approval, Kel Chemicals began production but was later ordered to cease on March 22.

Patel disclosed that he was summoned to a high-stakes meeting with senior government officials, including Felix Koskei, the Head of Public Service, and Esther Ngari. He alleged that during this meeting, he was threatened with the shutdown of Kel Chemicals' factories and was subsequently arrested without being informed of the charges. Patel claimed he was denied legal representation and forced to draft a letter admitting to recalling the fertilizer batches while under duress in police detention.

Why this matters: The allegations made by Kel Chemicals COO Devesh Patel implicate high-level government officials in the fake fertilizer scandal, raising concerns about corruption and abuse of power. The scandal has far-reaching consequences for farmers, the agricultural sector, and public trust in government institutions.

The accusations come just a week after Kel Chemicals' factory was inspected and closed by Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi, who cited the company's alleged involvement in the counterfeit fertilizer scandal. Kel Chemicals has denied any links to the alleged supply of sub-standard fertilizers distributed to farmers under the Fertilizer Subsidy Program. The company stated that they received valid KEBS approval for their NPK product and that the government had indicated it was of good quality.

Patel further disclosed that the quantity of bags recalled from farmers was higher than what Kel Chemicals had distributed to Mems Distributors Limited. He called for an investigation into the contract price paid to Mems by NCPB and the amount of money paid by Mems to Kel Chemicals for the supply of the fertilizer. "Kel Chemicals had not entered into any contract with NCPB for the supply of the fertilizer in question," Patel emphasized during his testimony.

Key Takeaways

• Kel Chemicals COO alleges coercion, arrest, forced confession by govt officials
• Kel Chemicals claims it did not contract with NCPB, but subcontracted by Mems Distributors
• Patel alleges threats, denial of legal representation during meeting with govt officials
• Scandal raises concerns about corruption and abuse of power in fertilizer subsidy program
• Kel Chemicals denies links to supply of substandard fertilizers, claims KEBS approval