Agents plot to embezzle Sh30bn, govt reveals

Dodoma. The government has discovered a plot by some of agents and public officials to embezzle about Sh30 billion through distribution of agricultural inputs in 2015/16 financial year.

This was revealed yesterday here in the city by Agriculture deputy minister Omary Mgumba during the agricultural stakeholders meeting.

“After a thorough verification, we were surprised to find out that the debt that we are owing agents was Sh70 billion against the allocated budget of Sh35 billion for agricultural inputs,” said Mr Mgumba.

However, he said, the agents told the ministry that the outstanding debt stood at Sh35 billion against the claimed Sh70 billion. “Our doubt is on the difference between the debt and the allocated budget for agricultural inputs,” said the deputy minister.

He said preliminary findings show that those who involved include, government workers, grassroots leaders and agents of agricultural inputs.

“Our investigation to find out the culprits is at final stages. No one will be spared.…They will all be brought to the book.”