The Anti-Counterfeit Authority has issued a warning to farmers following the seizure of 250 bags of suspected counterfeit fertilizer in Kakamega County during a multi-agency operation.
In a statement on Monday, April 20, the crackdown was carried out in collaboration with the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Kenya Bureau of Standards, and the Government Chemist.
Authorities reported that, in addition to the fertilizer, investigators recovered packaging materials and government subsidy stock labelled “Not for Sale,” raising concerns over a coordinated scheme to divert and repackage state-supported farm inputs for illegal trade.
Kakamega farmers warned after a crackdown on fake fertiliser and farm inputs. Photo: Courtesy.
The agency also noted that the timing of the seizure is particularly worrying, as farmers across several regions are currently purchasing fertilizer amid ongoing rains and the peak planting season.
Anti-Counterfeit Authority Kisumu Regional Manager Tom Muteti warned that the circulation of substandard fertiliser in the market poses a serious threat to crop yields and national food security.
He noted that farmers rely on genuine farm inputs to achieve expected harvests, cautioning that any compromise at the planting stage can significantly affect livelihoods as well as the wider economy.
Muteti further warned that counterfeit fertiliser carries risks that go beyond immediate financial losses, as it can cause long-term soil degradation and poor crop development.
He added that such products often lack the required nutrient balance for proper plant growth, leading to stunted harvests and reduced agricultural productivity nationwide.
Following the discovery, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority urged farmers and the public to remain vigilant and ensure they only purchase fertiliser from authorised and reputable dealers.
The agency further advised farmers to verify the authenticity of farm inputs before purchase and to report any suspicious packaging or activities to the relevant authorities to help curb the spread of counterfeit products in the market.
