Farmers from Kericho, Nakuru and Bomet counties have been spared the agony of planting fake seeds after detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested a trader accused of selling counterfeit agriculture inputs.
The detectives on Wednesday, March 20, raided a business enterprise in Njoro, Nakuru County, where they apprehended a man they found packaging and selling fake maize seeds.
During the raid, police recovered about 34,700 boxes of counterfeit products whose worth was estimated at Ksh13 million.
The suspect was found to have packaged the counterfeit inputs as authentic Kenya Seeds Company products to dupe the farmers.
Police revealed that besides manufacturing the fake farm inputs, he was also operating illegally. It was also revealed that the suspect was only licensed to sell timber.
Speaking after the arrest, Loyford Kibaara, the Nakuru Police Commissioner urged farmers to be vigilant and report those selling fake products. He also advised them to check for a quality sticker on maize seeds to avoid buying counterfeit products.
"I thank the locals and the security team for the good job of arresting the suspect. I also warn all those selling the fake seeds in the country to stop or face the law," he added.
Kibaara further warned farmers to also look out for fake fertilisers being sold across the country. Recently, Kenyans have raised concerns about fertiliser being mixed with stones or sand.
According to the commissioner, detectives also seized maize flour packaged in packs branded in the colours of the leading manufacturers in the country. He told the press that police were investigating the matter.
On the other hand, the Acting Director of the Kenya Plant Health Inspectorate Service (KEPHIS) Simon Maina explained that the suspect was using chemicals to make the seeds, contrary to the existing laws.
Maina added that the service had dealt with increasing cases of counterfeit seeds, especially during this planting season. He urged farmers to buy seeds from licensed manufacturers.
"We are on high alert at KEPHIS, we have sent our officers across the country to examine the quality of seeds. We are also working with farmers who have any information on counterfeits," he added.
