The government has emphatically rejected claims circulating regarding the presence of counterfeit fertilizer being peddled to farmers across markets.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary, Mithika Linturi, vehemently asserted that the government's subsidized fertilizer program strictly adheres to certified standards, refuting any assertions of substandard products infiltrating the market.
"There is absolutely no existence of counterfeit subsidized fertilizer in the market. The government remains steadfast in its commitment to deliver quality and standardized fertilizer to farmers nationwide," affirmed Linturi.
Addressing stakeholders during a visit to the Elburgon National and Cereal Produce Board depot, Linturi urged farmers to refrain from relying solely on visual assessments and making presumptions about fertilizer quality.
"Our farmers must refrain from solely relying on visual inspection to judge the quality of fertilizer. Those expressing doubts regarding fertilizer quality should submit samples for laboratory testing and evaluation," emphasized Linturi.
The CS underscored the government's unwavering determination to root out perpetrators aiming to undermine the fertilizer subsidy program, assuring farmers of the government's commitment to maintain a steady supply of fertilizer.
"The nation possesses an ample supply of fertilizer. I have personally inspected this depot, and I can attest to the abundance of fertilizer available," reassured the CS.
Reports have surfaced suggesting that certain farmers have inadvertently purchased fertilizer allegedly contaminated with foreign materials from public outlets, a claim promptly dismissed by the government.
"The fertilizer distributed by the government undergoes rigorous testing and certification by accredited laboratories. Any insinuation regarding its inferior quality is baseless," reiterated Linturi.
The sentiments expressed by the CS were echoed by his Principal Secretary, Paul Ronoh, who echoed the stringent quality standards upheld by the fertilizer program.
"Farmers harboring doubts about the fertilizer's quality are encouraged to seek assistance from agricultural experts to ascertain its authenticity," advised Ronoh.
Linturi and Ronoh highlighted the nation's impressive maize harvest of 60 million bags during the previous year's fertilizer subsidy program, despite criticisms surrounding the quality of fertilizer distributed at that time.
"We remain committed to maintaining the same high standards in this year's fertilizer distribution," affirmed Ronoh.
Linturi announced plans to incorporate subsidized seeds into the government's inputs program to further bolster the nation's food security efforts.
Accompanied by other leaders including Molo MP Kuria Kimani, Njoro MP Charity Kathambi, and Kuresoi South's Joseph Tonui, Linturi praised the Kenya Kwanza government's steadfast dedication to enhancing food production while mitigating production costs.