President Ruto speaking to the CEOs of Fortune companies in Atlanta, Georgia, USA, on May 22, 2024. IMAGE: @WilliamsRuto | X
In Summary:
- A Kenyan farmer in the US confronted President William Ruto over a Ksh250,000 loss on fake fertilizer.
- President Ruto assured that the government had initiated a compensation scheme and legal action against those responsible.
On Wednesday, May 22, a Kenyan farmer residing in the United States confronted President William Ruto, demanding compensation after spending Ksh250,000 on allegedly counterfeit fertilizer.
The disgruntled farmer voiced his concerns during a meeting between the president and a group of Kenyans living in the US. He explained that, despite living abroad, he manages a large wheat farm in Narok County and had purchased the fertilizer from the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB), only to discover it was fake.
“I am a diaspora farmer and I handle significant acreages of wheat. This planting season, I lost Ksh250,000 on fake fertilizer, and we are suffering,” the farmer lamented.
Despite the significant financial loss, the farmer noted that he had yet to receive any promised compensation from the government.
“I am not sure if the government knows or is involved because I am fighting for my refund,” he added.
In response, President Ruto assured that the government had already initiated a compensation scheme for all affected farmers.
He stated that the compensation process would be free and swift upon registration.
“We asked every farmer who bought fertilizer that was found to be counterfeit to register, and 7,000 have done so,” Ruto explained. “We have already begun compensation, and you will receive equivalent fertilizer without any cost. It will be free of charge,” he affirmed.
Ruto further disclosed that top officials at the NCPB had been arrested and were facing prosecution as investigations continue.
“We have removed the Managing Director of the Cereals Board from office and taken his team to court. We will deal decisively with these crooks,” Ruto declared.
The president’s assurances aim to address the concerns of farmers who have suffered due to the distribution of fake fertilizer, ensuring they receive proper compensation and justice is served against those responsible.