A controversy and along drag led to the National Assembly Agriculture committee summoning CS Mwangi Kiunjuri to appear before it to explain the cause of delays in importing subsidized fertilizer.
“The situation is now at crisis level. This ministry has been trying to import the fertiliser but we have now been told that this year it is not possible. We have been told the company had issues and the Attorney General was still scrutinizing the contract,” committee chair Adan Haji said.
In reassurance over the matter,Deputy President William Ruto has said the state will provide subsidised fertiliser for farmers.
He said one million bags have already been bought and told Treasury to speed up the purchase of another two million bags.
“The ministries of Agriculture and Treasury should buy the fertiliser quickly before the planting season next month,” Ruto said.
The DP spoke during the funeral of retired Senior Superintendent of Police Leonard Kipkorir Yator at his Chuiyat home in Kesses, Uasin Gishu County.
On January 31, the chairman of the Strategic Food Reserves Fund Noah Wekesa said the government will not buy subsidised fertiliser.
Wekesa said although the government had been importing the fertiliser over the years, this time it will not be possible because of procurement challenges.