County under pressure over supply of expired veterinary chemicals

Residents of Ndalat village in Nandi County are up in arms following alleged supply of expired acaricides to Kapng’ombe cattle dip by the County Government of Nandi.

The acaricide, identified as Mostraz, had its expiry label dated February 2, 2016.

The residents, who depend on dairy farming, accused the county government officials of failing in their responsibility to ensure that they are protected from such occurrences that may harm their animals.

“Where were the county officials when the expired chemicals were paid for and delivered to innocent farmers?” posed Prisca Sultan, one of the farmers.

The dip chairman, Kiprono Nyaoke, who is a veterinary officer, phoned the county officer in charge of livestock and the supplier to verify the source of the chemicals.

One of the agitated farmers claimed that the supplier tried to bribe the vet in charge of the dip but he turned down the offer and alerted the residents.

“They were telling the vet that the chemicals would still be used after six months of expiry. The chairman insisted that he was not taking the money at the expense of over 1,000 cattle,” the farmer told Citizen Digital.

The residents now want the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) to probe the tendering process, pointing out that they would go to court and file a case against the county government.

Similarly, Mr Nyaoke said that serving the public with expired chemicals infringe their rights as it possed danger not only to livestock but also to human beings.

Kiprono added that dairy farming is the backbone of the area’s economy.

On the contrary, a statement from the County Director of Veterinary Services dismissed the report saying that the county cannot supply expired chemicals.

Written by Richard Manyala