Thousands of farmers across the country are once again being exposed to dubious fertiliser as the planting season begins.
Nation understands that unscrupulous traders are on the prowl in Rift Valley and parts of Nyanza, targeting farmers with fake fertiliser.
In some cases, according to the Anti-Counterfeiting Authority (ACA), unscrupulous traders are using popular brands to trick farmers into buying fakes.
The ACA and security agencies recently seized thousands of bags of fake fertiliser in Nairobi and Nakuru counties.
In Nakuru, 233 bags of fake fertiliser worth Sh23 million were seized at Molo over the weekend.
According to the authority, the fake product was intended for sale to farmers in the Rift Valley region.
"We arrested two suspects in connection with the counterfeit fertiliser. Counterfeit agricultural inputs degrade soil and undermine food security. ACA is committed to protecting genuine products through strict enforcement and public awareness," said Mr Mbugua Njoroge, ACA’s executive director.
Last week, 19,000 bags that were to be used to package counterfeit fertiliser were seized in Nairobi’s Kariokor.
According to the authority, cartels could also be repackaging the government-subsidised fertiliser for re-sale.
"After repackaging, they sell it to unsuspecting farmers as a different brand deemed to be of higher quality and overcharge desperate farmers who want to take advantage of the ongoing rains," said Mr Njoroge.
"I urge the public to be more vigilant and report any suspected fake products across the country. Counterfeit agricultural inputs threaten the nation's food security," Mr Njoroge noted.
"Fertiliser under the government subsidy programme is tested and certified by KEBs and suitable for crop production. The fake ones are a threat to food security in this country," he added.
Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
In a communiqué, Kagwe noted that the costs would be borne by the supplier as the bags were supplied on a consignment basis.
Mr Kagwe revealed, that the consignment of sulphate of ammonia (21%) fertiliser, was delivered to NCPB by the supplier between December 27, 2024 and 6 January 2025.
According to the ministry, the consignment delivered to NCPB-totalling 34,100 bags (50 kg)-had initially passed prior tests conducted by KEBS, which confirmed that the fertiliser complied with Kenyan standards.
Anti-Counterfeit Authority’s Executive Director Dr Robi Mbugua (second right), accompanied by Osman Yusuf (left), in charge of enforcement at the authority, Neddy Kiptoo (right), Chair of Audit, and other officers during a press conference at the authority’s office in Eldoret City, Uasin Gishu County on March 20, 2025, after they impounded 233 bags of counterfeit planting fertiliser in Molo, Nakuru County.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | Nation Media Group
However, upon delivery, the board noted the short shelf life of the fertiliser, which was set to expire towards the end of February.
Following this discovery, the supplier was notified and instructed to deliver fertiliser with a longer shelf life.
Mr Kagwe has however, assured there is enough fertiliser at the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) depots.
Mr Kagwe said the government has so far distributed 2.6 million bags of subsidised fertilizer to farmers across the country since December 2024.
"We are aware that in the last two days, farmers who visited NCPB depots could not redeem their e-voucher messages to access subsidised fertilizer because of the logistical challenges to avail the input. However, l wish to assure the country that all the logistical challenges have been addressed and that from Monday, March 24, we expect the issuance of over 1 million more bags of fertilizer to stabilize and match the high demand," he added.
To fast-track delivery of the fertiliser from the Mombasa Port, the government was using a train to transport the cargo to the Naivasha Inland Port.
"By Monday we will have more bags for distribution to farmers. Further to boost our supplies, an additional 1,380 metric tonnes are en route to the Mombasa Port," stated Mr Kagwe.
