The Anti-Counterfeit Authority is escalating measures to combat counterfeit fertilizers in Kenya’s North Rift, particularly in Uasin Gishu and Nakuru counties. Recent operations resulted in arrests and the seizure of significant counterfeit fertilizers. Officials emphasize the need for vigilance among farmers and the public to safeguard food security and the agricultural economy.
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) is intensifying its efforts to protect Kenyan farmers from counterfeit agricultural inputs, thereby enhancing food security. In collaboration with the National Police Service and other enforcement agencies, ACA is focusing on Uasin Gishu and Nakuru counties in the North Rift to combat the growing issue of fake fertilizers.
An operation in Molo led to the arrest of two suspects for trafficking counterfeit fertilizer, resulting in the seizure of 233 bags with a value of Sh23 million, now stored at ACA’s depot in Eldoret. Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, ACA’s Executive Director, highlighted the severe threat these fake inputs pose not only to food security but also to economic stability and environmental health.
Dr. Njoroge noted that many farmers unknowingly buy counterfeit fertilizers, which can degrade soil quality and yield financial losses. He assured that ACA is dedicated to intensifying action against counterfeit products to ensure farmers access only genuine agricultural inputs.
In addition, 19,000 empty fertilizer bags were discovered in Molo, utilized in fraudulent repackaging schemes, a practice ACA aims to eradicate. From 2020 to 2025, the ACA has confiscated counterfeit fertilizers valued at Sh7.4 million and fake agrochemicals worth Sh39.7 million, significantly disrupting the counterfeit supply chain across Kenya.
Neddy Cheptoo, ACA’s Audit Board Chair, emphasized the negative effects of counterfeit agricultural products on food security, urging farmers to be cautious. She encouraged them to purchase from certified suppliers only and report suspicious products, reinforcing ACA’s commitment to enforce regulations against counterfeit distribution.
Cheptoo remarked that agro-dealers must comply with regulations, warning of strict legal actions against those identified as distributors of counterfeit products. She called for public vigilance to combat the threat posed by counterfeit agricultural inputs and protect the nation’s farming sector.
The ACA is actively taking measures to eliminate counterfeit fertilizers in Kenya, focusing on protecting farmers and enhancing food security. Recent operations have led to arrests and significant confiscations of counterfeit products, highlighting the ongoing challenges in ensuring the agricultural sector’s integrity. Continued vigilance from both authorities and the public is essential to combat this issue effectively and support genuine agricultural supply chains.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
