The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has strengthened efforts to combat counterfeit fertilizers in Kenya’s North Rift, particularly in Uasin Gishu and Nakuru counties. Recent operations led to arrests and the seizure of counterfeit goods worth millions. ACA officials emphasized the severe risks these products pose to food security and farmers’ livelihoods and urged public vigilance.
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) of Kenya is intensifying efforts to protect farmers and ensure food security by combatting counterfeit agricultural inputs. In collaboration with the National Police Service and various enforcement agencies, the ACA is focusing on high-risk areas in the North Rift, notably Uasin Gishu and Nakuru counties. Recent operations in Molo have resulted in the arrest of two suspects and the seizure of 233 bags of counterfeit fertilizer valued at Sh23 million, now stored at the ACA depot in Eldoret.
During a press briefing at the Eldoret ACA depot, Executive Director Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge underscored the significant threats posed by counterfeit fertilizers to both the agricultural sector and Kenya’s food security. He stated, “These counterfeit agricultural inputs not only pose a direct threat to Kenya’s food security and economic stability but also compromises crop yields and pose long-term environmental risks.” This situation puts farmers at risk of poor harvests, soil degradation, and financial loss due to their inadvertent purchases of these fake products.
Dr. Njoroge highlighted that ACA and its partners are committed to intensifying operations against counterfeit products, ensuring farmers have access to authentic agricultural inputs. He reported the seizure of 19,000 empty fertilizer bags in Molo, which were part of fraudulent repackaging activities, a practice authorities aim 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 nationwide.
Neddy Cheptoo, Chair of ACA’s Audit Board, emphasized the adverse impact of counterfeit agricultural inputs on food security. He noted that farmers suffer considerable losses when they utilize substandard products. “We are intensifying enforcement actions to ensure only genuine and approved agricultural inputs reach farmers,” stated Cheptoo. He advised farmers in Eldoret to remain vigilant and purchase inputs exclusively from certified suppliers while encouraging the public to report any suspicious agricultural products.
Cheptoo also urged agro-dealers to strictly comply with existing regulations, warning that those found distributing counterfeit products would face severe legal consequences. He concluded by stressing, “I urge Kenyans to remain cautious, and with continued enforcement and public vigilance, we hope to stem the tide of counterfeit farm products threatening the country’s agricultural sector.”
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority’s proactive measures against counterfeit fertilizers in Kenya aim to safeguard farmers and ensure food security. With critical operations leading to arrests and seizures, the ACA is determined to combat the counterfeit agricultural input market. Continuous enforcement, public vigilance, and strict compliance from agro-dealers are essential components in this initiative to protect the agricultural sector from the damaging effects of counterfeit products.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
