The government explained what happened with fertilizer Russia gave Kenya at an Africa meeting last August. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua made accusations after he lost his job. He claimed officials sold 40,000 tons of free fertilizer instead of passing it directly to farmers at no cost.
Gachagua accused certain companies of taking these donations, changing labels, and selling everything back at high prices. He stated that these businesses earned billions through this scheme. Officials confirmed receiving 33,835 tons of fertilizer materials from Russia, equal to around 676,700 fifty-kilogram bags.
Officials explained that these materials came as Murate of Potash, Urea, and NPK compounds farmers could not apply directly to crops. Raw ingredients need mixing and processing before plants can benefit from them. This created fertilizer suited for different farm products across Kenya, such as tea, rice, maize, and various vegetables.
This approach helped more farmers nationwide and protected soil health for future seasons. Workers converted the original 33,835 tons into 103,350 tons of ready-to-use fertilizer, producing about 2 million bags distributed through the National Fertilizer Subsidy Programme.
Many companies competed for the mixing contract. The winning business paid for extra materials, processing costs, and delivery to storage facilities. Maisha Minerals and Fertilizers Limited secured this contract after a competitive selection process. Each fertilizer bag reached registered farmers through the established government program.
Gachagua accused certain companies of taking these donations, changing labels, and selling everything back at high prices. He stated that these businesses earned billions through this scheme. Officials confirmed receiving 33,835 tons of fertilizer materials from Russia, equal to around 676,700 fifty-kilogram bags.
Officials explained that these materials came as Murate of Potash, Urea, and NPK compounds farmers could not apply directly to crops. Raw ingredients need mixing and processing before plants can benefit from them. This created fertilizer suited for different farm products across Kenya, such as tea, rice, maize, and various vegetables.
This approach helped more farmers nationwide and protected soil health for future seasons. Workers converted the original 33,835 tons into 103,350 tons of ready-to-use fertilizer, producing about 2 million bags distributed through the National Fertilizer Subsidy Programme.
Many companies competed for the mixing contract. The winning business paid for extra materials, processing costs, and delivery to storage facilities. Maisha Minerals and Fertilizers Limited secured this contract after a competitive selection process. Each fertilizer bag reached registered farmers through the established government program.
