MP John Mbadi claims millions of Ksh.15 billion fertilizer subsidy lost, demands forensic audit

Committee chair John Mbadi said there are reports of financial misappropriation in the fertilizer subsidy program and wants the auditor general to ascertain whether Kenyans got value for money in the fertilizer program. 

Mbadi alleged a possible loss of millions of taxpayers’ money in the Ksh.15 billion subsidy programme.

“We as a committee have taken a vote on this matter... we are suspecting that there could be cases of money laundering, illicit money transfers that we want Kenyans to know,” said Mbadi

Speaking during a press conference at parliament buildings, Mbadi added that the oversight committee wants the auditor general to immediately dive into the national cereals and produce boards, the Ministry of Agriculture and carry out a forensic audit of the funds so far used in the program.

“The Public Accounts Committee does not want to play politics with this matter, that is why we ask the auditor general to carry out a forensic audit to establish whether Ksh.15 billion allocated for fertilizer subsidy has been used well since we are getting negative reports,” he said.

The fertilizer subsidy program has already raised suspicion with claims of some companies making withdrawals of colossal amounts of money soon after payments. The committee wants the auditor general to submit a report within 30 days.

The committee will conduct public hearings where senior Ministry of Agriculture officials who handled the program will be summoned to provide the true accounts of the subsidy program to ensure the country does not get into another scandal.