The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has increased surveillance and heightened efforts to protect Kenyan farmers and ensure food security by eliminating counterfeit agricultural inputs from the market.
ACA, in collaboration with the National Police Service and other enforcement agencies, are leading efforts to combat the rising threat of fake farm inputs in the North Rift, especially Uasin Gishu and Nakuru counties.
The operation in Molo has led to the arrest of two suspects who are facing prosecution under the Anti-Counterfeit Act, 2008 after a confiscation of 233 bags of counterfeit fertilizer worth Sh23 million currently at the ACA’s depot in Eldoret.
At a media briefing held in Eldoret ACA depot in the Kenya Industrial Estate yard, ACA Executive Director, Dr Robi Mbugua Njoroge, emphasized the grave threat that counterfeit fertilizers and agro-chemicals posed to the agricultural sector.
“These counterfeit agricultural inputs not only pose a direct threat to Kenya’s food security and economic stability but also compromises crop yields and also pose long-term environmental risks,” Njoroge said.
Dr Njoroge further stated that farmers unknowingly purchase fake fertilizers, which lead to poor harvests, soil degradation and financial losses.
“ACA, together with enforcement agencies, is committed to intensifying operations against counterfeiters and ensure that farmers receive only genuine agricultural inputs,’’ he said.
According to Dr Njoroge 19,000 empty bags of fertilizer have been seized in Molo, bags which were use in fraudulent repackaging schemes, a trend which authorities have vowed to discontinue.
“Between 2020 and 2025, ACA has seized counterfeit fertilizers valued at Sh7.4 million and fake agrochemicals worth Sh39.7 million, significantly disrupting counterfeit supply chain across the country,”, he said.
ACA’s Audit Board Chair Neddy Cheptoo highlighted the impact of counterfeit agricultural inputs on food security, noting that unsuspecting farmers suffer significant losses after using in substandard products.
“We are intensifying enforcement actions to ensure only genuine and approved agricultural inputs reach farmers,” Cheptoo said.
Cheptoo urged farmers in Eldoret remain vigilant and only purchase inputs from certified suppliers
She encouraged the public to report suspicious agricultural products, pledging to intensify market surveillance.
Cheptoo also called on agro-dealers to adhere strictly to regulations, warning that those caught distributing counterfeit products will face severe legal consequences.
“I urge Kenyans to remain cautious, and with continued enforcement and public vigilance, they hope to stem the tide of counterfeit farm products threatening the country’s agricultural sector, ” said Cheptoo.
By Martin Kiplimo
