Authorities in Mumias East, Kakamega County, have intercepted a significant consignment of counterfeit fertilizer and maize seeds, leading to the arrest of three suspects. The operation was carried out by officers from Shianda Police Station following a tip-off from concerned citizens.
According to a police report, officers raided the home of Asma Mukoya, 38, in Musoma village, Lubinu sub-location, where they discovered a lorry, registration number KDL 120K, being loaded with suspected counterfeit fertilizer. The lorry, an Isuzu FRR, was carrying 196 bags of fake fertilizer and 396 kilograms of counterfeit maize seeds.
During the raid, authorities also seized various packaging materials, including a weighing machine, three rolls of sewing threads, a repackaging machine, three bags of unsealed 50kg fertilizer, and several empty sacks. The specific counterfeit products recovered included:
- 196 bags of 50kg fake fertilizer
- 24 bags of 50kg Yarabela Exran
- 12 bags of 50kg DAP Falcon fertilizer
- 14 bags of 50kg Chaps Meli DAP fertilizer
- 2 bags of 50kg DAP fertilizer
- 8 bags of 25kg Chaps Solai Mbolea Bora
- 23.5 bags of 10kg DAP Falcon fertilizer
- 198 packets of 2kg hybrid maize seeds suspected to be counterfeit
Police also apprehended Rodgers Otundo, the driver of the lorry, and Milzadeck Meja, a suspected broker. The trio is currently assisting law enforcement in their investigations.
The crackdown comes amid increased reports of fake fertilizers and maize seeds flooding the market. Similar seizures have been made recently in Molo and Kuresoi North in Nakuru County, as well as Kisii County. Authorities have warned farmers to remain vigilant and only purchase certified agricultural inputs from authorized suppliers, such as the National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB).
To curb the spread of counterfeit products, the government has intensified efforts to supply genuine fertilizers, with an additional one million bags of subsidized fertilizers being distributed to depots nationwide.
The interception in Kakamega highlights the persistent threat of agricultural fraud, which poses significant risks to farmers’ yields and food security. Law enforcement agencies have reaffirmed their commitment to cracking down on such criminal activities and ensuring the protection of Kenya’s agricultural sector.
