Members of the National Assembly are intensifying efforts to uncover the truth behind the fake fertilizer scandal by summoning high-ranking officials from the Ministry of Agriculture.

The National Assembly Departmental Committee on Agriculture has extended invitations to Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi and Principal Secretary Paul Rono to testify before the committee next Monday. They are expected to provide insights into how counterfeit fertilizer infiltrated National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) stores.

Additionally, the committee will hear from NCPB Managing Director Joseph Kimote and Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) Managing Director Theophilus Mutui regarding the fraudulent fertilizer within the fertilizer subsidy program.

Committee Vice Chair Brighton Yegon emphasized the need for compensating farmers who suffered losses due to the use of counterfeit fertilizer and holding accountable the fraudulent suppliers.

“The key question this committee seeks to answer is how the fake fertilizer managed to reach NCPB stores, particularly if officials were aware of its counterfeit nature,” stated Yegon.

An earlier meeting to investigate the matter was postponed due to the unavailability of involved parties, except for the Managing Director of the Kenya Bureau of Standards.

Yegon further announced that the committee plans to meet with SBL Innovate Manufacturers Limited, the producers of GPC Plus Organic Fertilizer, on April 9, 2024.

MPs will also conduct field visits to various NCPB depots nationwide to ascertain the availability, fairness in distribution, pricing, and quality of the fertilizer sold.

The findings from the agricultural committee’s probe and field visits will inform a report proposing stern recommendations for approval by the House. 

Yegon emphasized the gravity of the issue, stressing its potential impact on the government’s efforts to ensure food security in the country.

Matayos MP Geoffrey Odanga raised concerns about Agriculture CS Linturi’s denial of the existence of fake fertilizer in the country despite KEBS flagging counterfeit fertilizer in multiple regions.

“We are aware of individuals aiming to sabotage the country’s food security by using such fertilizer to profit from potential food shortages,” stated Odanga.

He criticized the government’s handling of the fertilizer shortage issue and called for urgent measures to support farmers facing challenges. By Irene Mwangi, Capital News

In 2021 the London-based Lloyd's Register Foundation ran a survey that sought to assess how optimistic people around the world are about the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to improve their lives. The foundation polled 125,000 individuals across 121 countries and asked whether respondents believed AI would "mostly help" or "mostly harm" people over the next two decades. 

The four regions most sceptical of AI? Central and Western, Southern, Northern, and Eastern Africa, in that order. Indeed, Eastern Africa was the only region anywhere in the world in which more than half of people surveyed thought that AI is likely to be a source of danger and harm. Clear majorities in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda were all worried that AI will prove dangerous. 

AI, which has many different applications but essentially works by using complex algorithms to analyse large datasets and make instant decisions, is awesome in its potential power. But from healthcare to agriculture, it also has the potential to transform life in Africa for the better. 

In the April issue of African Business, out now, we look at the huge opportunities awaiting Africa in artificial intelligence if the continent can overcome talent and funding shortfalls. In a special report, we speak to the entrepreneurs and researchers at the cutting edge of the industry that can - and already is - reshaping life in Africa and beyond. - David Thomas, Editor, African Business

Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah. [File, Standard]

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) Party has asked authorities to investigate attacks and harassment against Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah.

ODM, condemning the attacks against Omtatah on Thursday, April 4, said no Kenyan should live in fear for their lives, and their safety should be a priority.

“We condemn in the strongest terms possible the continued harassment of Senator Okiya Omtatah, the latest being the raid on his rural home by unknown people who were demanding to know his whereabouts.”
“Every Kenyan including leaders must be guaranteed their safety at all times. We call on the government to move quickly and investigate the claims,” the statement ended.

Busia Governor Paul Otuoma reiterated their sentiments, condemning a Wednesday assault on Omtatah.
“I wish to condemn this state of lawlessness and ask the relevant security apparatus to address the issue pronto. The Senator should be accorded proper security,” added Otuoma.

On March 22, Omtatah confirmed to The Standard that he had been attacked by armed suspects while leaving Busia Law courts.

More than a month ago, the human rights activist also survived a minor road accident at a popular blackspot near Ojola area in Kisumu.

The Standard reported that Omtatah was headed towards Busia from Kisumu, trailing an oil tanker, when his vehicle developed a mechanical problem while making a climb and started to move backward before stopping shortly.

Omtatah is known for vocalising and taking to court issues affecting the citizenry, the most recent being the Finance Act of 2023. By Betty Njeru , The Standard