NCPB Begins Compensating Kenyan Farmers for Substandard Fertilizer

The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) in Kenya has started compensating farmers who purchased substandard fertilizer under the government's subsidy program. The compensation follows a directive from the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development to the NCPB to compensate all farmers who bought the faulty KEL brand fertilizers.

To receive compensation, affected farmers are required to lodge formal complaints by filling out a Claim Declaration Form at the NCPB depot or selling center where they purchased the fertilizer. Farmers must present their original national ID cards and evidence of purchase, including any unused fertilizer as exhibits.

NCPB Managing Director Joseph Kimote stated, "Farmers who have used the fertilizer will be issued an equivalent amount of top-dressing fertilizer, while those who have not used it will be required to return the product to NCPB stores and be issued an equivalent amount of planting fertilizer." However, the farmers' documentation must match the existing records at NCPB's silos or depots.

The fertilizer scandal has led to criticism of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi, with some calling for his dismissal. President William Ruto has also stated that those involved should face consequences. Meanwhile, NCPB has distributed 3 million bags of planting fertilizer and 300,000 bags of top-dressing fertilizer to registered farmers for the ongoing 2024 long rains season.

Farmers have expressed confusion and concern over the fake fertilizer issue. The government has been urged to provide clear guidance on how farmers should proceed with the compensation claims and to ensure the process is efficient and transparent. The NCPB has encouraged all affected farmers to visit their nearest depot or selling center to lodge complaints and purchase genuine fertilizers under the government subsidy program for the 2024 long rains season.

Key Takeaways

• NCPB to compensate farmers who bought substandard fertilizer under govt subsidy.
• Farmers must file claims, provide ID, and return unused fertilizer to get compensation.
• Farmers who used faulty fertilizer will get top-dressing, unused will get planting fertilizer.
• Fertilizer scandal led to criticism of Agriculture CS, with calls for his dismissal.
• NCPB has distributed 3M bags of planting and 300K bags of top-dressing fertilizer.