The National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) is facing renewed scrutiny after a parliamentary committee exposed massive financial mismanagement within the state agency, warning that the irregularities pose a direct threat to Kenya’s food security.
The Public Investments Committee on Social Services, Administration and Agriculture (PIC-SSAA), chaired by Navakholo MP Emmanuel Wangwe, grilled NCPB officials following a damning audit report by the Auditor-General.
The report flagged billions of shillings in unsupported expenditures, questionable asset ownership, and longstanding debts that have crippled the institution’s operations.
“The Kenyan people deserve better. The time for excuses is over. We want action, not promises,” said Wangwe during a tense committee session on Thursday.
Among the most serious concerns was the lack of documentation for over Ksh2 billion in expenses during the 2017/2018 financial year. The Auditor-General also cited the board for failing to verify ownership of land and storage facilities worth more than Ksh54 million, as well as mis-valued and misreported assets.
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Procurement issues also featured prominently. A botched maize purchase contract led to a costly arbitration dispute, with several related bills still outstanding. The audit further pointed to poor verification of grain sources, lapses in quality control, and serious stock shortages at NCPB depots.
“These are not just book keeping errors,” said Kosgei (Nominated MP). “They point to systemic weaknesses that have left the board vulnerable to abuse.”
NCPB’s financial troubles go far beyond flawed procurement. The agency owes billions of shillings to maize farmers, fertilizer suppliers, and even the Kenya Revenue Authority — with some of the debts dating back over 20 years. Shockingly, accrued penalties have not been accounted for in the board’s books.
At the same time, the government itself owes NCPB vast sums — some unpaid for nearly two decades — further compounding the agency’s liquidity crisis.
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The committee also questioned the role of the Ministry of Agriculture, accusing it of dereliction of duty after ministry officials failed to participate in key stock-taking exercises. Matters deteriorated further after the dissolution of the Strategic Food Reserve Board, whose mandate was transferred to the NCPB — without adequate funding or institutional support.
“The board is expected to guarantee national food security, yet maize is rotting in silos due to prolonged storage and poor planning,” said Ndhiwa MP Martin Owino. “This is a betrayal of farmers and consumers alike.”
In response to the revelations, MPs are calling for sweeping reforms at the NCPB, including the establishment of stronger financial controls, improved governance structures, and prompt government intervention to settle outstanding obligations.
The committee has vowed to continue pressing for accountability and corrective action, warning that inaction could further erode public trust and jeopardize the country’s food reserves.
By Obegi Malack
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