A recent report by the Auditor General has uncovered the disappearance of 564 tonnes of fertiliser that vanished before reaching the port of Mombasa. This revelation has raised serious concerns about the management and security of agricultural supplies within the country.
The missing fertiliser, intended to support Kenya’s agricultural sector, was part of a larger consignment shipped to the port. The disappearance not only poses a significant setback for farmers relying on these supplies but also highlights potential gaps in the logistics and oversight mechanisms governing the transport and distribution of agricultural inputs.
In light of this incident, the Auditor General’s office has called for an immediate investigation to trace the missing fertiliser and to identify and address any weaknesses in the current system. The report emphasizes the need for stringent measures to ensure that such essential resources are adequately safeguarded against theft and mismanagement in the future.
This incident adds to the growing list of challenges faced by the agricultural sector in Kenya, which is already struggling with issues such as climate change, market access, and financial constraints. Ensuring the integrity of supply chains for critical inputs like fertiliser is essential for maintaining food security and supporting the livelihoods of millions of Kenyan farmers.
