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The Nairobian

Fake fertiliser saga: Linturi orders closure of KEL Chemicals factory

National

By Denis Omondi | Apr 12, 2024

**Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi.** [Bonbiface Okendo, Standard]

Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has ordered the immediate closure of Thika-based KEL Chemicals Company for supplying the government with three thousand bags of ‘substandard’ fertilizer.

“I have directed the withdrawal of the manufacturing license for the KEL Chemicals Factory and its immediate closure pending probe by our investigative authorities,” wrote Linturi on his official X account.

His directive followed his visit to the manufacturing plant as part of the ongoing probe into the fake fertilizer scandal.

Last week, a test done by the National Cereal and Produce Board (NCPB) revealed that KEL Chemicals did not meet the stipulated requirements resulting in its suspension and withdrawal from NCPB stores.

This has left farmers stranded with their fertilizers and staring at possible poor yields from the current planting season, with some already demanding compensation.

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It is in light of this loss that the CS has vowed to bring suppliers of the bad fertilizers to book declaring that: “Safeguarding the interests of our farmers is paramount and we will spare no efforts in fulfilling this duty.”

Furthermore, the government will not release any money owed to KEL for the bags already supplied in the country until the conclusion of the investigations.