NAIROBI, Kenya Apr 18 – The Public Accounts Committee is pushing for a forensic audit on the Sh15 billion fertilizer subsidy program by the government across the country.
In a motion moved before the committee by Lugari Member of Parliament Nabii Nabwera, the watchdog committee approved the commencement of the audit raising concerns on the embezzlement of funds.
The John Mbadi-led committee has written to the Clerk of the National Assembly directing that the special audit be conducted within 30 days.
“We have agreed to come up with terms of reference for the Auditor General. We are going conduct a public hearing on this matter starting with the Ministry of Agriculture and several government agencies where the money was trailed,” said Mbadi.
The Nominated Senator affirmed that they will conduct a thorough investigation to unveil the truth on speculations concerning money laundering and fraudulent activities in the production subsidy program.
“We will investigate and have a conclusion and closure. If they was no scandal we will report back to Kenyans,” he stated.
“Kenya has had numerous scandals which are investigated forever and no conclusion to make Kenyans happy is done. This will not be purchase,” the nominated Senator said.
Mathioya MP Edwin Mugo who seconded the motion on the investigation of the subsidy program mentioned that failure to investigate the alleged scandal will create a bad precedent in the war against graft.
“The amounts involved in this program are huge and we know fertilizer is a key input in production. If this matter is not arrested now, we will have major scandals,” said Mugo.
In January, the government kicked off training of national and county government administrations under the new subsidy programme targeting 12 priority counties ahead of the expected March rains.
The distribution, came as farmers prepared for planting and it was aimed at improving food security in the country, which is key to President William Ruto’s administration.
The first phase targets 2.1 million farmers in the targeted counties.
The 12 pilot counties include Narok, Bungoma, Uasin Gishu, Nakuru, Trans Nzoia, West Pokot, Migori, Kakamega, Bomet, Kericho, Elgeyo Marakwet and Nandi.
It was expected that at least 2,149,760 farmers will benefit from this programme in its first phase of implementation.
The subsidized fertilizer, retailed at Sh3,500 down from Sh6,000 per 50kg bag, and was being transported to the National Cereals and Produce Boards across the target counties.
