Kenyan Authorities Intensify Action Against Counterfeit…

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority in Kenya has intensified efforts to combat counterfeit agricultural inputs, especially fertilizers, in the North Rift region. Collaborating with the National Police Service, recent operations include the arrest of suspects and confiscation of fake products valued at Sh23 million. The ACA emphasizes the dangers posed by these counterfeits to food security and farmers’ economic well-being, with commitments to ensuring the supply of genuine agricultural inputs.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has intensified its surveillance and protective measures for Kenyan farmers, aiming to eliminate counterfeit agricultural inputs from the market. This initiative is primarily focused on the North Rift region, particularly Uasin Gishu and Nakuru counties, with the ACA partnering with the National Police Service and other enforcement agencies to tackle the rising threat posed by counterfeit fertilizers.

In a recent operation in Molo, authorities arrested two suspects who are facing prosecution under the Anti-Counterfeit Act of 2008. During this effort, law enforcement confiscated 233 bags of counterfeit fertilizer valued at Sh23 million, currently stored at the ACA depot in Eldoret.

At a media briefing, ACA Executive Director Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge emphasized the significant threats that counterfeit fertilizers and agro-chemicals pose to Kenya’s agricultural sector. He stated that these fraudulent products not only threaten food security and economic stability but also negatively impact crop yields and pose long-term environmental risks. Many farmers unknowingly purchase these fake fertilizers, leading to reduced harvests, soil degradation, and financial losses.

Dr. Njoroge reiterated ACA’s commitment, alongside enforcement agencies, to ramp up operations against counterfeiters to ensure farmers only receive genuine agricultural inputs. In addition, he noted that during recent inspections, authorities seized 19,000 empty fertilizer bags used in fraudulent repackaging schemes.

Notably, between 2020 and 2025, the ACA has confiscated counterfeit fertilizers worth Sh7.4 million and fake agrochemicals worth Sh39.7 million, effectively disrupting the counterfeit supply chain across the nation. Furthermore, ACA’s Audit Board Chair Neddy Cheptoo discussed the adverse effects of counterfeit agricultural inputs on food security, emphasizing that unsuspecting farmers incur significant losses from utilizing these substandard products.

Cheptoo asserted that enforcement actions would be intensified to ensure that only genuine and approved agricultural inputs reach farmers. She advised farmers in Eldoret to remain vigilant and procure inputs solely from certified suppliers. Additionally, she encouraged the public to report any suspicious agricultural products to aid in market surveillance.

In conclusion, the ACA’s crackdown on counterfeit fertilizers and agricultural inputs is a crucial step toward protecting Kenyan farmers and ensuring food security. The collaboration with law enforcement showcases a dedicated effort to maintain the integrity of agricultural products. Increased awareness among farmers and the public, along with stringent enforcement measures, is imperative to combat the counterfeit crisis effectively.

Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke