State Visit Showdown: Falsified Fertilizer Scandal Overshadows President Ruto’s Visit
During President William Ruto’s state visit to the United States, a Kenyan farmer residing in the United States highlighted the specter of the falsified fertilizer scandal. The meeting took place on May 20, 2024 at the Cobb Galleria Center in Atlanta, Georgia, where the head of state spoke with Kenyan expatriates.
The farmer, originally from Narok County, Kenya, and now domiciled in New York, aired his grievances during a question-and-answer session. He lamented the significant losses he suffered due to the use of counterfeit fertilizers distributed by the National Grains and Produce Board (NCPB). His testimony highlighted the profound impact of the scandal on individual farmers, with losses amounting to over Ksh250,000.
Expressing his distress, the farmer questioned President Ruto on the government’s response to the situation of the affected farmers. He expressed concerns about the lack of clarity regarding compensation and demanded accountability for losses suffered.
President Ruto, in his response, assured the audience that the government had taken steps to address the crisis. He revealed that affected farmers were being encouraged to register for compensation, with over seven thousand farmers already registered in the restitution process. Additionally, Ruto highlighted the government’s punitive actions against the NCPB officials involved, thereby signaling a commitment to rectifying the systemic failures that precipitated the scandal.
The President’s assertions echo recent developments, including the suspension and pending prosecution of NCPB management personnel allegedly complicit in the distribution of substandard fertilizers. Additionally, the exoneration of Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi following an impeachment motion highlights the complexities surrounding accountability in the wake of the scandal.
Amid these revelations, President Ruto unveiled ambitious plans to strengthen Kenya’s agricultural self-sufficiency, including ending maize imports from the following year. With a focus on a broader strategy encompassing rice, wheat and edible oils, Ruto outlined a vision to strengthen domestic production and reduce dependence on foreign imports.
Ruto’s proactive stance on agricultural reform resonates with his administration’s overall agenda to revitalize the sector and boost economic growth. As he begins crucial bilateral discussions with US President Joe Biden, Ruto’s commitment to agricultural revitalization stands as a cornerstone of Kenya’s development trajectory.
