Caption: Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago. [Photo: Joe Khisa]
The government has been asked to investigate and take legal actions against National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) and the Ministry of Agriculture officials alleged to be selling subsidised fertilizer to unscrupulous businesspersons.
Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago claims there is a cartel involved in the sell of the subsidized fertilizers to individuals who are not farmers.
Speaking in Eldoret, Mandago insisted that subsidized fertilizers must be sold to genuine farmers alone.
"We are aware some ministry of agriculture officers and those at the NCPB are colluding with people buying this fertilizer only to take them to Uganda for repackaging before it's transported into the country and sold at higher prices," Mandago claimed.
"Those involved are criminals and in want to ask the county commissioner to take up the matter and ensure culprits face the full force of the law," he added.
The governor further warned county agricultural officer against being involved in the scam.
"The subsidy to the fertilizer was meant to benefit a common mwananchi and we will not allow a few individuals to take advantage of their own benefit and the expense of a taxpayer," Mandago said.
"Any officer from my government who will be linked to this scam and their names reach my desk, they should consider themselves sacked and prepare to appear in a court of law," he added.