Police in West Pokot, acting on intelligence reports, have ambushed a building under construction in Makutano Town and recovered 135 bags of subsidised fertiliser, each weighing 50 kilograms, belonging to the National Cereals and Produce Boards (NCPB).
During the operation, officers from Kapenguria police station also recovered a weighing machine, a Pay Bill number and an Account Number, believed to be linked to the illegal fertiliser trade.
No arrest was made during the raid, as the main suspect still remains at large. The recovered exhibits were taken to the Kapenguria police station for safe custody, even as the police investigations continue.
Confirming the incident, West Pokot County Commissioner (CC) David Saruni said the government had invested heavily in ensuring farmers countrywide access fertiliser at subsidised prices to support affordable farming and boost food production.
He expressed concern that some unscrupulous individuals were taking advantage of the government subsidy program to divert fertilisers meant to benefit genuine farmers, only to sell the same commodity to unsuspecting members of the republic at exorbitant prices.
“It is unfortunate that while the government is working hard to reduce fertiliser prices for farmers, some people are sabotaging these efforts through corruption and illegal sales,” Saruni said.
According to Saruni, the suspect had been selling the subsidised fertiliser at between Sh3200 and Sh3500 per bag, instead of the official government prices of Sh2500.
He warned traders involved in the scam that they would face the full force of the law, noting that such malpractices undermined government efforts aimed at supporting farmers to lower the cost of farming.
Saruni further urged residents to remain vigilant and report all individuals found involving themselves in the illegal sale of subsidised farm inputs.
“The fertiliser seized in Makutano was meant to benefit local farmers. Such illegal dealings lead to food insecurity by denying farmers access to affordable farm inputs,” he added.
The CC noted that the government’s fertiliser subsidy program is aimed at ensuring adequate food production and strengthening national food security by enabling farmers to access affordable farming supplies.
By Anthony Melly
