A group of farmers from the North Rift region who bought fertiliser that was found to be substandard are seeking compensation, claiming that they were supplied with inferior inputs through a government subsidy programme.
The aggrieved farmers have already started collecting evidence from the samples they bought to build a strong case for compensation.
This comes after the state withdrew NPK 10:26:10 manufactured by Ken Chemicals Limited from NCPB stores over concerns that it may be substandard.
The aggrieved farmers said it was time government gave them fertiliser or refunded their money for the product they bought through the subsidy programme.
“As farmers, we are worried that the yields will affect the country’s food production. I bought 20 bags of fertiliser and we need to be compensated for any losses we may incur on the farm,” said Kosgei Too, a farmer from Moiben, Uasin Gishu County.
Kenya National Farmers Federation (KENAFF) Uasin Gishu chairperson Ruth Kemboi said the state must consider compensating farmers who bought the condemned product due to quality issues.
“We want to appeal to the government to consider compensating farmers who bought the fertilizer from government stores. A farmer can then decide whether he wants to be given another fertiliser or have his money refunded,” said Ms Kemboi.
Mr Kipkorir Menjo, the director of the Kenya Farmers Association, said they were collecting evidence from samples purchased so that farmers would have a firm basis on which to claim compensation.
“Farmers have overwhelming evidence such as purchase receipts after buying farm inputs. We want the companies involved to be held accountable,” said Menjo.
At the NCPB stores, farmers buy the commodity at Sh2,500 per 50kg, while at the retail market, the input sells for Sh6,200 per 50kg.
While Agriculture Principal Secretary Kipronoh Ronoh has ordered NCPB to suspend distribution of NPK fertiliser under the subsidy programme, Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi accuses unnamed politicians and traders of undermining the programme.