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Minister of Agriculture Mithika Linturi’s recent dismissal of claims about fake fertilizers being sold in the market has caused a significant amount of confusion and controversy. While Linturi asserts that the fertilizers being supplied by the government are of high quality and certified, Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has acknowledged the presence of fake fertilizers in the market. This conflicting information has left many farmers feeling helpless and frustrated, as they struggle to secure reliable agricultural inputs for their crops.
“There is no fake subsidised fertilizer being sold in the market. The government is supplying quality and standard fertilizers to Farmers across the country,” CS said.
The statement made by Minister Linturi denying the existence of fake subsidized fertilizers is perplexing, given the widespread reports of counterfeit products circulating in the market. In a country where agriculture is a crucial component of the economy and livelihoods are dependent on the success of farming activities, the issue of fake fertilizers poses a serious threat to food security and the overall well-being of the population. The government’s insistence on the quality of the fertilizers being supplied only adds to the skepticism and distrust among farmers who are already struggling to make ends meet.
The summoning of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary to appear before the National Assembly’s Departmental Committee on Agriculture and Livestock further highlights the seriousness of the situation. The demand for accountability and transparency in the distribution of fertilizers is essential to ensure that farmers receive genuine and effective products that will support their agricultural activities. The calls for the resignation of members of President William Ruto’s cabinet, including the Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, reflect a growing frustration with the perceived incompetence and lack of responsibility in addressing the fake fertilizer scandal.
The involvement of the clergy, such as the National Council of Churches of Kenya (NCCK), in demanding accountability from government officials underscores the ethical and moral dimensions of the issue at hand. The idea that the fertilizers were distributed within existing systems and with known stakeholders raises questions about the level of oversight and regulation within the agricultural sector. The need for transparency and accountability in the distribution of agricultural inputs is paramount to ensure that farmers receive genuine and effective products that will support their livelihoods.
“The fertiliser was distributed within systems that exist. They know the storekeepers and how it was transported and must be accountable,” Kanga said.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura’s defense of Minister Linturi, stating that he is not directly linked to the fake fertilizer scandal, may alleviate concerns about ministerial responsibility to some extent. However, the ongoing investigations and the need for concrete action to address the issue of fake fertilizers require a comprehensive and transparent approach. The assurance that the Minister of Agriculture is working to resolve the situation is a positive step, but it remains to be seen whether sufficient measures will be taken to prevent future occurrences of counterfeit agricultural inputs.
“That is a long shot. There is no way Mithika Linturi is culpable of this, he is not involved. The investigations are ongoing and so far the minister of agriculture is working his level best to deliver,” Mwaura said.
The government’s response to the situation will determine its credibility and commitment to supporting the agricultural sector and the livelihoods of farmers. The calls for resignation and demands for accountability from various stakeholders underscore the seriousness of the issue and the need for concrete action to address the challenges facing the agricultural industry. Ultimately, the welfare of farmers and the sustainability of agriculture in Kenya depend on the integrity and effectiveness of the agricultural inputs being supplied to support their agricultural activities.
