The Government has suspended 22 senior managers at the National Cereals Produce Board of Kenya (NCPB) following reports of fraudulent dealings.
The orders were issued yesterday by Richard Lesiyampe,the Agriculture Principal Secretary after information indicated that the bosses were abusing the Government’s subsidy programme meant to stabilize fertilizer prices in the country.
Mr Lesiyampe stated that there have been reported cases of abuse of the programme and Government of Kenya fertilizer finding its way into hands of unscrupulous traders who have been found repackaging or adulterating the fertilizer
The suspended officials were responsible for regions, depots and headquarter functions in various parts of the country.The PS has revealed that 10,000 bags of fertilizer that had been stolen were intercepted and returned to NCPB stores.
The 22 senior managers implicated in the case have been instructed to step aside until investigations were completed.The Ministry noted that the action by the officers undermined the overall goal of ensuring food security in the country.