Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has called for stringent penalties against individuals caught selling fake seeds and fertilisers, proposing a mandatory 10-year jail term without the option of a fine. He emphasized that such fraudulent activities pose a serious threat to food security and should be treated as acts of economic sabotage.
Speaking before the National Assembly Departmental Committee on Agriculture, Kagwe urged lawmakers to introduce new legislation targeting those involved in agricultural fraud. He stressed the need to protect farmers from unscrupulous suppliers who sell counterfeit products, leading to significant financial losses and food insecurity.
Currently, individuals found guilty of selling fake agricultural inputs often face minor penalties, which Kagwe argued are insufficient to deter such crimes. He proposed that those caught in these fraudulent activities should face automatic imprisonment for at least a decade, ensuring they are held accountable for undermining food production and the livelihoods of farmers.
Kagwe appeared before the committee alongside Agriculture Permanent Secretary Paul Rono to present the 2025 Budget Policy Statement. The session was chaired by Tigania West MP John Mutunga, and discussions revolved around strategies to strengthen agricultural policies and protect farmers from exploitation.
The CS reiterated the importance of enacting strict laws to curb the distribution of fake seeds and fertilisers, noting that these products have devastating consequences on farmers. He explained that when farmers unknowingly purchase counterfeit seeds, they spend months tending to crops that ultimately fail, leaving their families without food or income.
The fraudulent sale of agricultural inputs not only affects individual farmers but also weakens the country’s overall agricultural productivity. Kagwe warned that if left unchecked, these activities could lead to increased food shortages and a decline in economic stability. He highlighted that food security is directly linked to national security, and any threats to it should be met with severe legal consequences.
As part of his ongoing efforts to clean up the agricultural sector, Kagwe pledged to work closely with Parliament to draft new legislation that would impose harsher penalties on those engaging in such fraud. He insisted that the government must take decisive action to prevent further exploitation of farmers and ensure that agricultural supplies meet the required standards.
The issue of counterfeit agricultural products has long been a challenge in Kenya, with many farmers falling victim to fake seeds and fertilisers. This has led to reduced crop yields and substantial financial losses, ultimately affecting the nation’s food supply. Farmers have repeatedly raised concerns about the lack of regulation and enforcement against fraudulent suppliers, calling for more stringent measures to protect their livelihoods.
In line with his commitment to reform the sector, Kagwe had previously vowed to crack down on fake seed and fertiliser syndicates when he was vetted for the position. His recent statements reinforce his determination to uphold this promise and implement policies that will safeguard farmers from exploitation.
By pushing for a 10-year jail term without the option of a fine, Kagwe aims to send a strong message that the government will not tolerate fraud in the agricultural sector. He remains focused on ensuring that all farmers have access to genuine, high-quality agricultural inputs that will support food production and economic growth.
