Kenya’s North Rift Religious Leaders Raise Alarm on Uncertified Fertilizer Distribution

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“The Ministry of Agriculture reportedly ordered the NCPB to halt the distribution of fertilizers until proper quality control measures are implemented”

- Bungoma County Governor Hon Ken Makelo Lusaka ,UDA Party Secretary General and Webuye West Legislator Hon Dan Wanyama while flagging off the subsidized fertilizer by the National Government in Webuye .

 The North Rift chapter of the Interreligious Council of Kenya (IRCK), led by Sheikh Abubakar Bini, who also serves as the regional chair of the Council of Imams and Preachers of Kenya (CIPK), has called on the government to urgently address concerns raised by farmers across the country regarding the distribution of uncertified fertilizers.

In a press conference held in Eldoret, Sheikh Bini, along with other religious leaders and a group of farmers, expressed their deep concern about the current fertilizer being distributed by the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB). They highlighted the significant anxiety this has caused among farmers who rely on these fertilizers for a successful harvest.

Farmer Anxiety Over Uncertified Products:

“The current situation is causing a lot of anxiety among us farmers,” said Rajab Kipkorir, a local farmer present at the press conference. “We depend on these fertilizers for a good harvest, and the uncertainty about their quality is putting everything at risk.”

Hassan Koskei, another farmer, echoed this sentiment. “Not only are we worried about the quality, but there simply isn’t enough fertilizer to go around,” he stated. “The low supply from the government is a major concern, and we need a solution quickly.”

Potential Dangers and Call for Action:

The religious leaders emphasized the potential dangers associated with using uncertified fertilizers. These products may not only be ineffective but could also introduce harmful elements into the soil, ultimately leading to crop diseases and reduced yields. This, they warned, could have a devastating impact on the livelihoods of local farmers and jeopardize the nation’s food security.

The group urged the relevant authorities to implement stricter quality control measures immediately. They stressed the importance of ensuring that only certified and safe fertilizers are distributed to farmers during the planting season.

Positive Developments:

The press conference comes amidst positive developments. As of yesterday, the Ministry of Agriculture reportedly ordered the NCPB to halt the distribution of fertilizers until proper quality control measures are implemented. This action demonstrates the government’s responsiveness to the concerns raised by the religious leaders and farmers.

This situation underscores the critical role that religious communities can play in advocating for the well-being of their communities and the nation as a whole. By raising awareness about this issue, the North Rift chapter of the IRCK has helped ensure that the voices of farmers are heard and that food security remains a top priority.

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