The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) seized 233 bags of counterfeit fertiliser valued at sh 2.1 million during a crackdown in Molo, Nakuru.
The counterfeit fertiliser, which was intended for distribution to farmers in the northern Rift Valley, was confiscated by ACA officials, who also arrested the individuals behind the illegal operation.
During the operation, ACA officials issued a warning to farmers, urging them to be cautious of rogue distributors and highlighting the serious risks posed by fake fertilisers to crop health.
“We successfully seized 233 bags worth sh 2.1 million of fake fertiliser and arrested two suspects, who are now facing prosecution under the Anti-Counterfeit Act,” said Robi Mbugua, an ACA officer.
Another ACA official added, “As we enter the planting season, we encourage farmers to be vigilant and report anyone distributing counterfeit fertiliser.”
This latest action comes just days after Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe ordered the destruction of 27,518 bags of expired fertiliser stored at various National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) facilities.
Kagwe assured that the government and the public would not bear any financial losses, as the supplier would cover the costs.
The destruction of the fertiliser, a consignment of sulphate of ammonia (21%) fertiliser, will be supervised by the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS).
In an official statement, the Ministry of Agriculture said, “The Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) will supervise the safe destruction of the consignment, which was delivered to NCPB between December 27, 2024, and January 6, 2025.”
The consignment, which included 34,100 bags (50 kg each), had initially passed KEBS’ quality tests but was later found to have a short shelf life, expiring in February.
The supplier was instructed to replace it with fertiliser that had a longer shelf life.
This incident follows a series of previous fake fertiliser scandals, including one under former Agriculture CS Mithika Linturi’s tenure.
