Cereals officers impound diverted low-cost fertiliser

National Cereals and Produce Board (NCBP) Chairman Geoffrey King'ang'i (left) with Manging Director Newton Terer addresing the press after Government subsidized fertilizer worth over Shs 6 Million that was impounded hidden on a private warehouse on May 12,2016. PHOTO:KIPSANG JOSEPH

Government subsidised fertiliser worth over Sh6 million was yesterday recovered from a hideout in Nakuru town.

Security teams from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and the General Service Unit's 'Flying Squad' stormed a private warehouse within the town where the fertiliser was being repackaged.

NCPB Chairman Geoffrey Kin'gangi said the DAP fertiliser was in transit from the Port of Mombasa to the board's stores in Kitale before a private transporter allegedly diverted and kept it in a hired store owned by Kenya Railways.

He said a whistle-blower noticed the repackaging from NCPB branded bags to those of Chapa Meli Fertiliser and tipped the board.

The crackdown impounded 2,515 bags branded NCPB and another 990 bags of already-repackaged fertiliser.

"Police were called in and confiscated the consignment, which is now in custody as exhibits. This fertiliser is meant to benefit ordinary Kenyans and it's unfortunate that cartels are messing up a genuine exercise," said Mr King'ang'i.

He said initial investigations established that Wilka Stores, where the consignment was impounded, belongs to one Wilson Ndungu.

The prime suspect had been hired to move the fertiliser to Kitale for distribution to maize farmers.

"There will be a thorough investigation and anybody, regardless of the position he holds in NCPB, who is found to have collaborated with the cartels will be dealt with decisively," he said.

Police laxity

NCPB Managing Director Newton Terer asked security agencies to fast-track the investigations and ensure those responsible are brought to book.

The MD revealed that two weeks ago, 4,000 bags of the subsidised DAP fertilisers were impounded in Kitale where they were being repackaged.

In the same period, another consignment of 444 bags was discovered and impounded in Meru.

"From all these, police have done nothing serious and that is why as NCPB we demand that the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet takes up the matter personally. The Nakuru incident is the third one and that is why action must be taken," said Mr Terer.

Farmers are suffering because of the frequent diversion of inputs.

"This fertiliser should have been distributed to farmers but it's now held up in a private store," said the MD.

Earlier reports indicated that the actual number of bags diverted were 6,000 valued at Sh10.5 million.

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