Former Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mithika Linturi has defended his role in the controversial fertiliser scandal, acknowledging that substandard fertiliser entered the market during his tenure but refuting claims that it was fake. In a televised interview on May 13, 2025, Linturi explained that while the fertiliser did not meet required standards, it still contained usable nutrients and could support crop growth, albeit not optimally. He clarified that falling short of standards (e.g., 8% potassium instead of 10%) doesn't render the fertiliser counterfeit, but rather substandard, affecting the maximum benefit crops receive.

Linturi attributed the scandal to political hijacking, stating that the issue became politicized and difficult to manage, leading to public outrage and a disregard for facts. He also cited internal confusion within the Agriculture Ministry as a contributing factor, with conflicting statements from officials deepening public misunderstanding. Linturi claimed a lack of full control over the ministry further complicated his ability to address the situation effectively.

Meanwhile, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) faces a Sh 3.5 billion budget shortfall, jeopardizing the absorption of over 20,000 intern teachers into permanent positions. TSC Director of Finance, Cheptumo Ayabei, informed the National Assembly Education Committee that the Commission lacks funds to regularize these teachers, potentially extending their internship for up to two more years. A court ruling mandates confirmation within a year, but Ayabei indicated the best-case scenario is compliance by December 2025, within the 2025/2026 financial year.

MPs questioned the rationale behind recruiting new intern teachers amidst a backlog of unabsorbed interns. Baringo North MP Benjamin Makilap and Teso South MP Mary Emase raised concerns about inclusivity, particularly the neglect of trained teachers over 45. Emase proposed affirmative action for these overlooked professionals, while Education Committee Chair Julius Melly criticized age bias in TSC's hiring policies. Luanda MP Dick Maungu suggested prioritizing older teachers for employment.

Makilap urged the TSC to provide data on registered teachers to quantify the problem and resources needed, while Ayabei reiterated that converting interns depends on funding availability, with no provision from the National Treasury due to fiscal constraints. The TSC also faces a Sh 5.71 billion deficit affecting medical insurance and Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) funding. Director Legal, labour and Industrial action Cavin Anyuor revealed that the National Treasury has remained non-committal on the funding mechanism of the July 2025 to June 2029 with the current framework set to lapse in June.