African Censored exposes how farmers were sold sand disguised as subsidized fertilizer
3 min read
KEBS takes action after African Censored exposes how farmers were sold sand disguised as subsidized fertilizer
KEBS takes action after African Censored exposes how farmers were sold sand disguised as subsidized fertilizer
According to an expose, “Fertile Deception” by African Censored, many farmers were unaware that what they thought was subsidized fertilizer was actually just regular sand that had been deceitfully marketed and sold for exorbitant prices.
The investigative journalists embarked on an undercover operation, delving deep into the intricate web of mining, packaging, and widespread distribution of counterfeit product throughout the nation.
The documentary which aired on Sunday evening alleged that the company passed off sand from a mining site in Kariandusi to be organic fertiliser.
Further, the documentary narrated that the packed soil was later packaged, sealed, and ferried to the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) where it was sold as subsidised fertiliser.
It was stated that the fertiliser was distributed through the NCPB under the National Fertiliser Subsidy Programme, instituted by the President in 2022.
The fertiliser was supposed to be sold at half of the prevailing market rate.
Reportedly, the farmers who used the company’s products frequently complained about their crops failing to thrive despite spending a lot of money to acquire the input.
Following the expose, the Kenya National Bureau of Standards (KEBS) has recalled all fertiliser brands distributed by one company and revoked the standardization marks.
The bureau through its Managing Director, Esther Ngari explained that they had taken the step after the expose showed the company hoodwinking Kenyans by packaging sand and selling it as legitimate fertiliser.
In a statement issued on Monday, Ngari explained that tests conducted on 59 samples all showed that the products failed to meet the prescribed quality standards.
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“As per our mandate, we have communicated this to the manufacturer and have given them strict conditions to maintain the same high-quality standards we expect, read a statement issued by the regulator.
Further KEBS has assured that they would take legal action against the company to ensure that its managers are held accountable.
“Therefore, we have withdrawn the standardisation mark from (company’s name withheld) and have asked them to recall all their products in the market. We remain committed to ensuring our standards are met to protect the health and well-being of all Kenyans.”
Ngari also proceeded to thank the media house for highlighting the plight of farmers and requested for future information in case of any other alleged unscrupulous trade.
“I also want to thank Africa Uncensored for the investigation. The intelligence you gave us is very helpful and even in the future we would want to receive any kind of intelligence because we depend on stakeholders to protect the consumers,” explained Ngari.
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