Anti-Counterfeit Authority Strengthens Efforts Against Fake Fertilizer in Kenya

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has ramped up efforts to combat counterfeit agricultural inputs in Kenya, particularly in the North Rift region. Collaborating with national enforcement agencies, ACA has seized counterfeit fertilizers worth millions and arrested individuals involved in these illegal activities. The initiative aims to protect farmers, ensure food security, and mitigate financial losses linked to fake agricultural products.

The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has intensified its efforts to safeguard Kenyan farmers and bolster food security by targeting counterfeit agricultural inputs. This initiative, undertaken in partnership with the National Police Service and various enforcement agencies, aims to curtail the escalating issue of fake farm products, particularly in Uasin Gishu and Nakuru counties of the North Rift region.

Recently, a significant operation in Molo led to the apprehension of two individuals accused of violating the Anti-Counterfeit Act of 2008. The operation resulted in the seizure of 233 bags of counterfeit fertilizer, valued at Sh23 million, which are now housed at the ACA’s depot in Eldoret.

During a media briefing, Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge, ACA’s Executive Director, articulated the severe risks posed by counterfeit fertilizers and agro-chemicals. He remarked that such fraudulent products jeopardize Kenya’s food security, destabilize the economy, and lead to poor crop yields and environmental degradation.

Dr. Njoroge noted that unsuspecting farmers frequently fall victim to counterfeit fertilizers, resulting in diminished harvests and financial hardships. He reaffirmed ACA’s commitment to intensifying operations against such fraudulent activities to ensure that only authentic agricultural products are provided to farmers.

In Molo, ACA has seized approximately 19,000 empty fertilizer bags used in illegal repackaging efforts, which authorities are determined to eliminate. Dr. Njoroge indicated that from 2020 to 2025, ACA has confiscated counterfeit fertilizers worth Sh7.4 million and fake agro-chemicals valued at Sh39.7 million, significantly disrupting the counterfeit supply network nationwide.

ACA Audit Board Chair Neddy Cheptoo emphasized the detrimental effects of counterfeit agricultural inputs on food security and noted the substantial losses incurred by unsuspecting farmers.

Cheptoo highlighted the ACA’s enhanced enforcement measures and urged farmers in Eldoret to procure inputs exclusively from certified suppliers. She encouraged the public to be vigilant in reporting suspicious agricultural goods and committed to intensifying market surveillance. Furthermore, she warned agro-dealers against distributing counterfeit products, detailing the severe legal repercussions for violators.

Cheptoo concluded by urging the public to remain alert and emphasizing the importance of collective vigilance in combating counterfeit agricultural products, thereby protecting the nation’s agricultural sector.

In conclusion, the Anti-Counterfeit Authority’s proactive measures against counterfeit fertilizers are critical in safeguarding Kenya’s agricultural sector. Through intensified collaboration with law enforcement, ACA aims to eliminate fraudulent agricultural inputs that pose risks to food security and farmer livelihoods. The ongoing seizures and public awareness campaigns serve to ensure that only legitimate products reach farmers, thus enhancing agricultural productivity and environmental sustainability.

Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke