The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) has come under sharp criticism after a damning audit revealed massive financial mismanagement running into billions of shillings, raising fresh concerns over Kenya’s food security.
The Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture (PIC-SSAA), chaired by Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, said the Auditor-General’s report exposed glaring weaknesses in financial governance, internal controls, and accountability at the Board.
The audit flagged more than Sh2 billion in unsupported expenditure for the 2017/2018 financial year, unclear ownership of storage facilities and parcels of land worth over Sh54 million, wrongly valued assets, and major procurement lapses.
One of the costly blunders highlighted was a procurement dispute over an unfulfilled maize purchase contract that dragged into arbitration, leaving the Board with heavy losses. Several bills linked to the case remain unsettled. The audit also noted stock shortages, poor verification of grain sources, and lapses in quality control.
“The situation has reached a point where farmers who delivered maize years ago are still waiting for payment. This is unacceptable,” said Wangwe.
The NCPB is also struggling with billions in debt owed to maize farmers, fertiliser suppliers, and the Kenya Revenue Authority—some dating back more than two decades. The report further revealed that accrued penalties have not been captured in the accounts, worsening the financial burden.
At the same time, the government itself owes the Board vast sums of money, some pending for nearly 20 years, making liquidity even more difficult.
Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino faulted poor oversight, saying: “The Board is expected to guarantee national food security, yet maize is rotting in silos due to prolonged storage and poor planning. This is a betrayal of farmers and consumers alike.”
The audit also showed Agriculture Ministry officials were absent during crucial physical stock-taking exercises, undermining accountability. Matters worsened after the dissolution of the Strategic Food Reserve Board, whose mandate was transferred to the NCPB without proper funding or institutional support.
“The Kenyan people deserve better. The time for excuses is over. We want action, not promises,” Wangwe added.
The committee has now demanded urgent reforms at the NCPB, including stronger financial controls, improved governance, and decisive leadership to restore public confidence.
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