Farmers in Nyahururu, Laikipia County, are raising serious concerns over what they describe as a corrupt cartel operating within the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depot in the area.
According to small-scale farmers, this cartel is manipulating the distribution of subsidized fertilizer, depriving them of much-needed supplies and forcing them to buy fertilizer at inflated prices from private stores in Nyahururu town.
The cartel reportedly consists of four individuals who consistently appear at the depot whenever a fertilizer consignment arrives. These individuals allegedly control how much fertilizer farmers can access, ensuring that a significant portion is diverted to private stores where it is sold at prices ranging from Ksh 3,000 to Ksh 3,500 per bag.
As a result, many farmers are left without affordable fertilizer, facing higher costs or going without.The claims have sparked frustration among local farmers, who are now demanding immediate action.
They are calling for an investigation into the Nyahururu depot’s operations and for the removal of the depot manager, who they accuse of enabling the corrupt activities.
Farmers argue that the practice is unfair and undermines their livelihoods, as it restricts their access to subsidized fertilizer intended to reduce production costs and boost agricultural productivity.
Corruption within the NCPB is not a new issue. Similar scandals have surfaced in the past, and just weeks ago, two suspects were arrested for allegedly repackaging and selling counterfeit fertilizer in nearby regions such as Molo and Kuresoi North.
These suspects were using a local brand without the necessary licenses and selling the fake fertilizer at inflated prices. This has added to the growing concerns over fraudulent practices in fertilizer distribution, which experts say threaten both farmers’ financial well-being and the country’s food security.
The most notable case of corruption at the NCPB occurred in 2024, when the former NCPB Managing Director, Joseph Muna Kimote, and several senior officials were charged with conspiracy to defraud farmers.
The officials were accused of supplying substandard fertilizer, which was marketed as genuine, to unsuspecting farmers. This led to financial losses and compromised agricultural yields.
The case caught widespread attention, and it was one of the reasons for Kimote’s suspension, with the government vowing to investigate the scandal further.
In response to the recent fertilizer concerns in Nyahururu, farmers are urging the government to act swiftly. They want a thorough investigation into the depot’s management and the involvement of senior NCPB officials.
The fertilizer subsidy program, designed to support farmers by lowering the cost of agricultural inputs, has been compromised by these corrupt practices.
As a result, farmers are finding it increasingly difficult to access the resources they need to maintain their crops.The situation has raised serious questions about the integrity of NCPB operations and the effectiveness of the oversight mechanisms in place. If left unaddressed, such corrupt practices could worsen the already fragile agricultural sector in Kenya.
Farmers are calling for reforms and stronger oversight to ensure that subsidies meant for them are not diverted or misused. As the farmers of Nyahururu continue to push for action, the public and goThe allegations highlight the challenges faced by the NCPB and other institutions involved in the distribution of essential agricultural inputs.
For Kenya’s agricultural sector to thrive and contribute to national food security, the government must take steps to eliminate corruption, improve transparency, and ensure that resources are distributed fairly to those who need them most.
