A total of 250 bags of suspected counterfeit fertiliser have been seized in Kakamega County following a coordinated multi-agency crackdown targeting illegal agricultural input distribution networks during the ongoing planting season.
The operation, carried out by the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the Government Chemist, also uncovered suspected attempts to divert government-subsidised fertiliser into the black market through illegal repackaging and distribution channels.
According to AFA, the government-subsidised fertiliser was clearly marked “Not for Sale,” raising concerns that it had been diverted and reintroduced into the commercial market through illicit repackaging networks.
“The timing of this seizure is particularly alarming as it coincides with the ongoing rains and peak planting season. During this high-demand period, farmers across the country are actively investing their savings into agricultural inputs, making them vulnerable targets for exploiters,” the Authority said.
Tom Muteti, ACA Regional Manager for Kisumu, warned that the circulation of substandard fertiliser poses a serious threat to agricultural productivity and food security.
“The presence of substandard fertiliser in the market is deeply concerning because it directly threatens crop yields and national food security. Farmers rely on the authenticity of these inputs to achieve expected harvests, and any compromise at this early stage has far-reaching consequences for individual livelihoods and the broader economy,” he said.
Experts further warn that counterfeit fertiliser not only causes financial losses for farmers but can also damage soil quality over time. AFA noted that such products often lack the correct nutrient composition needed for healthy crop growth, leading to poor yields and reduced agricultural output at a national level.
Authorities also cautioned that the infiltration of fake fertiliser into subsidy supply chains undermines government efforts to provide farmers with affordable and quality inputs. This, they said, ultimately disrupts agricultural development programmes aimed at strengthening food production across the country.
In response, the Agriculture and Food Authority has reaffirmed its commitment to increased surveillance and enforcement through continued multi-agency cooperation. Officials have urged farmers and the public to remain vigilant and to purchase fertiliser only from authorised dealers.
Farmers have also been advised to verify product authenticity and report any suspicious packaging, pricing, or distribution activity to the relevant authorities to help curb counterfeit inputs.
Officials said safeguarding the integrity of agricultural inputs remains key to protecting farmers’ investments and ensuring national food security during the planting season and beyond.