The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) is reinforcing efforts to combat counterfeit fertilizers in Kenya, collaborating with law enforcement in Uasin Gishu and Nakuru counties. Recent operations led to arrests and the seizure of counterfeit fertilizers valued at Sh23 million. ACA emphasizes the negative impact of counterfeit products on agriculture and urges farmers to source supplies from certified suppliers, while warning agro-dealers of strict regulations.
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) of Kenya is enhancing security measures to protect farmers and safeguard food supplies by combating counterfeit agricultural inputs. Collaborating with the National Police Service and other agencies, ACA is particularly focusing on Uasin Gishu and Nakuru counties to eliminate fake farm products from the market.
Recent operations in Molo resulted in the apprehension of two suspects, who will face prosecution under the Anti-Counterfeit Act of 2008, after authorities confiscated 233 bags of counterfeit fertilizer, valued at Sh23 million, which are now stored in the ACA depot in Eldoret.
During a media briefing, ACA Executive Director Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge articulated the serious risks posed by counterfeit fertilizers and agro-chemicals. He stated, “These counterfeit agricultural inputs not only pose a direct threat to Kenya’s food security and economic stability but also compromise crop yields and pose long-term environmental risks.”
Dr. Njoroge indicated that farmers are often unaware when they purchase fake fertilizers, which can result in poor harvests, soil degradation, and financial losses. He affirmed ACA’s commitment to ensure that only genuine agricultural inputs are available to farmers.
Furthermore, Dr. Njoroge disclosed that 19,000 empty fertilizer bags, intended for fraudulent repackaging schemes, had been seized in Molo. Since 2020, ACA has confiscated counterfeit fertilizers and agrochemicals valued at Sh7.4 million and Sh39.7 million, respectively, disrupting the counterfeiting supply chain nationwide.
Neddy Cheptoo, Chair of ACA’s Audit Board, emphasized the considerable losses incurred by unsuspecting farmers using substandard products. “We are intensifying enforcement actions to ensure only genuine and approved agricultural inputs reach farmers,” Cheptoo remarked.
Cheptoo advised farmers in Eldoret to purchase inputs exclusively from certified suppliers and to report any suspicious products. She also urged agro-dealers to comply with regulations, warning of strict penalties for those distributing counterfeit goods. “With continued enforcement and public vigilance, we hope to stem the tide of counterfeit farm products threatening the country’s agricultural sector,” Cheptoo concluded.
The ACA’s intensified crackdown on counterfeit fertilizers is crucial for protecting Kenyan farmers and ensuring food security. Through these operations, significant quantities of counterfeit products have been seized, and the relevant authorities are committed to increasing market surveillance and enforcement. Farmers are encouraged to be vigilant and source their supplies from certified vendors to safeguard their livelihoods and the integrity of the agricultural sector.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
