A multi-agency team in Bomet have flashed out six unscrupulous traders who were involved in the processing and sale of unverified maize seeds.
The team, compromising the office of the County Commissioner, the Police and the officials from agricultural state agency Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Services (KEPHIS), last week made an impromptu surveillance across the five counties in Bomet and managed to arrest the six traders.
According to Administrative Officer1 Patrick Kitili, who spoke on behalf of Bomet County Commissioner Dr. Ahmed Omar, said those selling fake seeds were undermining the government’s efforts in enhancing food security as farmers end up in losses because of planting uncertified seeds.
“We strongly urge the members of the public to be cautious when buying seeds because some traders are selling fake seeds which will contribute to untold losses,” he said.
“We take it very seriously and we will intensify patrols to ensure our farmers get only certified seeds,” he said.
These unscrupulous traders, he said, have a very treacherous way of slightly lowering the prices of these uncertified seeds to attract many unsuspecting farmers.
“The problem with our farmers is that they do not know how to differentiate between the fake and certified seeds. They are easily dubbed when they see the coloured maize seeds packed in seemingly original packaging,” Kitili said
According to Geoffrey Malemba, KEPHIS official charged with overseeing South Rift region, farmers were supposed to buy seeds only from outlets registered by KEPHIS.
Malemba said farmers must then obtain an original receipt indicating which variety of seeds they have purchased.
He added that all certified seeds have a smart KEPHIS label which they were supposed to scratch and send a short message to the numbers 1393 where they would get feedback that would ascertain whether the seeds in the package are certified or not.
The official further stated that in the packaging, there was KEPHIS telephone number which they were supposed to call and register their complaint or report to any agricultural office near them.
Malemba said the same effort was geared towards total eradication of Maize Lethal Necrosis which set in in Bomet County in 2011 wiping out the entire crop, a challenge which has persisted for over 10 years.
“We will continue the surveillance throughout the 47 Counties because as a regulatory body, we want to ensure quality assurance so as to ensure quality seeds and therefore high yields,” he said.
“We are also collaborating with seed Merchant to ensure that seeds which are tolerant to maize lethal necrosis were made available to farmers in the South Rift region,” he said.
He also urged avocado farmers to visit KEPHIS website where they can check for registered nurseries and avoid being cheated on.
Bomet Officer Commanding Police Division Musa Omar Imamai said the crackdown and subsequent arrests was part of sensitization exercise meant to enlighten farmers on presence of fake seeds in their nearest outlets.
Imamai said those arrested were from Kapkwen and Kizito trading centres among other places saying the six have been prosecuted and fined not less that Sh. 15 000 each.
He said selling fake seeds was against Cap 326 of Plant Quality Act laws of Kenya.
By Kipngeno Korir
