The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) is enhancing efforts against counterfeit fertilizers in Kenya’s North Rift to protect farmers and food security. Notable operations have led to arrests and seizures of significant quantities of fake agricultural inputs. The ACA emphasizes the need for farmers to be vigilant and purchase certified products to ensure crop safety and financial stability.
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority (ACA) has intensified its efforts to combat counterfeit agricultural inputs in Kenya, particularly within the North Rift region. This initiative is crucial for protecting farmers and enhancing food security by eradicating fake fertilizers from the market. Collaborating with the National Police Service and other enforcement agencies, significant strides have been made against the proliferation of counterfeit products in areas such as Uasin Gishu and Nakuru counties.
An operation in Molo resulted in the arrest of two individuals who were charged under the Anti-Counterfeit Act of 2008 after authorities seized 233 bags of counterfeit fertilizer, valued at KSh 23 million. These counterfeit items are currently held at the ACA’s depot in Eldoret, signaling a robust response to this growing threat in the agricultural sector.
During a media briefing at the ACA depot in Eldoret, Executive Director Dr. Robi Mbugua Njoroge underscored the severe implications of counterfeit fertilizers and agro-chemicals. He stated that these frauds jeopardize Kenya’s food security, economic stability, and overall crop yields while posing significant environmental risks. Many farmers inadvertently purchase fake fertilizers, leading to unsatisfactory harvests and financial setbacks.
Dr. Njoroge reaffirmed ACA’s commitment to intensifying operations against counterfeiters to ensure farmers receive authentic agricultural products. He noted that 19,000 empty fertilizer bags had been confiscated in Molo, highlighting fraudulent repackaging practices. Since 2020, the ACA has seized counterfeit fertilizers and agrochemicals valued at KSh 7.4 million and KSh 39.7 million, respectively, significantly disrupting the counterfeit supply chain nationwide.
Neddy Cheptoo, ACA’s Audit Board Chair, emphasized the detrimental effects of counterfeit agricultural inputs on food security. She stressed that unsuspecting farmers suffer considerable losses due to substandard products. Cheptoo has called for heightened vigilance among farmers in Eldoret and urged them to purchase from certified suppliers. She also encouraged the public to report suspicious agricultural products to aid in market surveillance.
Furthermore, Cheptoo highlighted the need for agro-dealers to comply with regulations, warning of severe penalties for those distributing counterfeit items. She urged the Kenyan populace to remain cautious and reassured that with continued enforcement and public vigilance, it is possible to mitigate the threats posed by counterfeit agricultural products to the agricultural sector.
The Anti-Counterfeit Authority is actively combating counterfeit fertilizers in Kenya to protect farmers and ensure food security. Ongoing collaborations and operations aim to eradicate fake agricultural products that pose threats to both crop yields and environmental stability. Increased vigilance and adherence to regulations by farmers and agro-dealers are essential to uphold the integrity of agricultural practices moving forward.
Original Source: www.kenyanews.go.ke
