Agriculture Cs Willy Bett (right) with Uasin Gishu governor Jackson Mandago at a past event. Bett announced suspension on sale of subsidized fertilizers. Photo/the-star.co.ke]
The government has suspended with immediate effect the sale of subsidized fertilizer stored in NCPB depots in North Rift.
Agriculture Cs Will Bett said the move will enable a probe into the alleged illegal sale of the commodity in the region.
"Sale of subsidized fertilizers is suspended until further notice. This will allow the government to investigate claims that the commodity is being sold by brokers who are selling fertilizer to farmers at high prices", he said.
Bett warned employees of NCPB colluding with traders to buy the subsidized farm input.
"Employees stealing fertilizers from stores and later sells to traders should know their days are numbered. Such employees need to be arrested and prosecuted,’’ he said.
He added that farmers in the region should report to police any trader they suspect selling the stolen subsidized commodity to them at exploited prices.
"Farmers should be on high alert and make reports to police which will lead to the arrest of traders or NCPB employees suspected to be selling subsidized fertilizers,’’ Bett noted.