The Ministry of Agriculture has suspended the operations of Ms KEL Chemicals and ordered immediate confiscation of its fertiliser products sold in the Kenyan market.
This follows the completion of the testing of all fertiliser being distributed to farmers across the country under the subsidy programme.
According to the tests carried out by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (Kebs), Kelphos Plus, Kelphos gold and NPK 10:26:10 manufactured by KEL Chemicals did not meet the stipulated requirements.
“This consignment affected KEL Chemical fertilizers distributed between 5th and 10th March 2024,” said the Ministry is a statement released Friday.
The agriculture ministry has further ordered for immediate seizure of the three brands.
“The Government has further seized and impounded all fertilizer stocks distributed by KEL Chemicals at the National Cereals Produce Board (NCPB) facilities. This step is essential to control and mitigate any adverse effects on agricultural practices.”
The subsidy programme which commenced in August 2022 has been rocked by claims of substandard fertiliser being sold to unsuspecting farmers leading to low yields.
Farmers who had purchased the said fertiliser have been advised to discontinue its use and to visit their nearest NCPB facility for further guiguidance.
Kebs has further initiated legal action against the company for distributing substandard products contrary to the Standards Act Cap 496.
