Senator Methu suspects foul play in the distribution of fertiliser by the National Cereals and Produce Board 

𝐏𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐢𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 
𝐅𝐫𝐢𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝟐𝟏𝐬𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟓 

Senator John Methu (Nyandarua) has raised concerns about the unequal distribution of fertilizer in the highlands region of Kenya by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).

This comes after NCPB dispatched 413,103 bags of fertiliser to Uasin Gishu County, accounting for 20.99% of the total fertiliser distribution while other counties received significantly less number of bags. 

Nakuru County received 204,764 bags, nearly 10.4% of the total allocation, while counties like Kirinyaga received 32,280, Meru 12,910 bags, Nyeri 8,760 bags, Murang'a 7,650 bags and Tharaka Nithi 5,940 bags which is significantly less despite their agricultural potential.

Some agricultural counties, such as Marsabit and Samburu, did not receive any fertilizer allocation at all, raising questions about regional balance in the distribution process.

While seeking a Statement from the Standing Committee on Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries yesterday, Senator Methu said the highland regions of Kenya are known for their high agricultural productivity and rely heavily on fertilizer to sustain food security and economic growth.

The Nyandarua Senator wondered why fertilizer distribution data reveals significant disparities, with some counties receiving disproportionately large quantities while others, equally dependent on agriculture, receive far less. 

He tasked the Agriculture Committee to explain to the Senate the methodology and criteria used by the Ministry of Agriculture and the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) in determining fertilizer allocations to various counties.

“The Agriculture Committee must tell us the Justification for the significantly lower allocations to certain highland agricultural counties, despite their critical role in national food production. Besides, it should outline the government's strategy to ensure fair and equitable distribution of fertilizer subsidies and to prevent the marginalization of key farming regions,” said Senator Methu. 

He also asked the Senator Wafula Wakoli-led Committee to provide evidence on whether farmer registration data and actual county-level demand were considered in the allocation process, and clarification on any inconsistencies identified.

The Committee will subsequently investigate the matter and report to the Senate the corrective measures being implemented to address these disparities and ensure that all farmers have fair access to fertilizers.