NCPB interdicts 22 senior staff over fertiliser theft

The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has interdicted 22 senior regional managers for allegedly colluding with unscrupulous traders to steal, alter and re-sell subsidized government fertilizer to unsuspecting farmers.

Speaking during a press conference at Kilimo House, Agriculture PS Richard Lesiyampe condemned the act saying it undermines the overall goal of ensuring food security in the country and that the suspected perpetrators should step aside to pave way for investigations.

“It has, therefore, been decided that officers responsible for regions, depots, and headquarter functions involved in the malpractice be suspended forthwith to pave way for thorough investigations,” said Lesiyampe.

Lesiyampe said that the government has also confiscated 10,000 bags of stolen fertilizer and returned them to NCPB stores adding that legal action will be taken against any official who interferes with investigations.

According to the PS, those found innocent will be reinstated while those found culpable will be fired and dealt with according to the law.

Among those interdicted are NCPB Head of Internal Audit, Head of Operations, Northern Region Field Manager and Nairobi depot managers, in the theft cases reported in Kitale, Meru, Nakuru and Thika.

The government initiated the Fertilizer Subsidy Programme in 2009 with an aim of cutting down the cost of food production by stabilizing fertilizer prices, and making fertilizers accessible to small scale farmers.