KEBS official linked with fake fertilizer scandal are suspended

Brian Mang’oli

Eight officials from the Quality Assurance Department of the Kenya Bureau of Standards have been suspended for allegedly providing certification and endorsing the quality of two companies associated with the manufacturing of counterfeit fertilizer.

Eight individuals have been suspended to carry out comprehensive investigations into the issue that has sparked nationwide outrage. Scale Chemicals, one of the two companies involved in the scandal, has had its operations suspended and its fertilizer products removed from the market. This decision was made by the regulatory body, KEBS after confirming that the company’s products did not meet the required quality standards.

 The DCI detectives are currently probing the case in order to determine how the companies strayed from the approved standards set by KEBS to manufacture counterfeit fertilizer, causing an uproar among farmers. Despite the ongoing investigations, individuals involved in the trade have disregarded warnings and continued their illicit activities.

police  in Bungoma town confiscated a batch of alleged fertilizer that was undergoing repackaging at a gas station. The intervention by the authorities was aimed at preventing the spread of the  fake fertilizer product throughout the county.

This incident also highlights the need for stricter regulations and enhanced monitoring mechanisms to prevent the production and distribution of counterfeit products. The government should consider implementing stringent penalties for those involved in such illegal activities, as well as strengthening the capacity of regulatory bodies to effectively detect and combat counterfeiting.

Furthermore, this scandal underscores the importance of public awareness and education regarding counterfeit products. Consumers need to be vigilant and informed about the risks associated with purchasing counterfeit goods, including the potential harm they can cause to their health, the environment, and the economy.

Efforts should be made to educate farmers and other stakeholders about the identification of genuine products and the consequences of using counterfeit fertilizers. In conclusion, the suspension of eight officials from the Quality Assurance Department of the Kenya Bureau of Standards for their alleged involvement in certifying counterfeit fertilizer is a significant development.

It highlights the need for a comprehensive investigation, stricter regulations, and increased public awareness to combat the production and distribution of counterfeit products. The government and regulatory bodies must work together to restore confidence in the quality assurance process and protect the interests of consumers and the agricultural sector