The supply and distribution of counterfeit fertilizer to farmers nationwide is the subject of an investigation by the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Livestock, and Fisheries. 

The committee criticized government agencies for their incompetence and announced plans for committee members to visit all affected counties to hear directly from farmers. The committee summoned Africa Uncensored over an exposé it conducted.

"The investigation into the fake fertilizer syndicate by the Senate committee comes as pressure mounts on the government over the supply of fake fertilizer that has led to outcry among farmers, questioning the government’s commitment to food security, one of its key agendas," said James Murango, Committee Chairperson and Kirinyaga County Senator.


The committee members were shocked by the information provided by Africa Uncensored, a group of whistleblowers who looked into the phony fertilizer supply. 

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The Kitui County senator Enock Wambua stated, "They questioned how the web of the fertilizer syndicate escaped the attention of authorities." 

Senators Dan Maanzo of Makueni County and Samson Cheragei of Nandi County expressed similar views. 

Despite a strong government defense, farmers in maize-growing regions recently voiced concerns about the quality of the fertilizer being distributed. 


Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Chief Secretary for Agriculture Mithika Linturi demanded an inquiry on Sunday and issued a warning to state agencies implicated in the scandal.

"The revelations before the Senate committee come as farmers lament over the loss of funds they used to procure fertilizer, a scandal that may leave a dent on the government’s food security agenda, and one of the key pillars in its manifesto," noted Murango.

The National Cereals and Produce Board, the Kenya Bureau of Standards, and the Auditor General have all been called upon by the committee to launch a forensic audit of the fictitious fertilizer syndicate. 

Those found guilty, according to the committee, will face legal action.