The government has identified six counties as hotspots for selling and distributing fake seedlings to farmers.
During a public sensitisation baraza on fake seedling awareness held in Meru County on Tuesday, the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) named Kiambu, Kisii, Narok, Machakos, Meru, and Tharaka Nithi as the counties notorious for this practice.
Farmers have been urged to remain vigilant and ensure they plant genuine seedlings authorized by KEPHIS.
They have been advised to purchase seedlings only from companies and agrovets approved by the Seedlings Board to avoid the risks associated with fake seedlings.
Speaking during the baraza, KEPHIS Director Simon Maina revealed that there are already 15 cases in court involving fake seedlings, with Meru having 5 cases.
"So far, we have 15 cases of people found selling and distributing fake seedlings. We are requesting farmers and Kenyans generally to report when they surmise cases of fake seedlings, " Maina warned.
According to KEPHIS, everyone selling seedlings must have a license showing they are authorised to sell them.
Farmers should also ensure fruit tree seedlings are inspected and show they are ready to be planted.
"You will find others going to buy seedlings from the nursery, but they are not yet matured to be planted," James Mutia the head of Farmers in Meru noted.
The government is currently conducting a crackdown in these counties as part of its Strategic Plan (2023–2027) to strengthen seed quality assurance mechanisms and enhance food security in the country.
KEPHIS has partnered with Kenya Seed, Bayer East Africa, and Seedco to carry out surveillance and sensitization activities aimed at educating farmers on how to identify genuine seeds and use sticker labels for verification.
The proliferation of fake agricultural seeds remains a significant challenge for farmers in Kenya. This crackdown comes amid calls from experts urging the government to implement stricter measures and impose severe penalties on individuals or entities found selling counterfeit seedlings.
